Patent ID: 8821376
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for suctioning trapped fluid from one or more bullae situated in an emphysematous lung region of a subject, the apparatus comprising: a plug configured to be placed in an airway of the subject, the airway leading to the emphysematous lung region, the plug defining an opening therethrough that is in an open state thereof when something is inserted through the opening and is in a closed state thereof when nothing is inserted through the opening; a tool having a distal portion and a proximal portion that is proximal to the distal portion, the tool being configured to facilitate suctioning therethrough of the fluid trapped within the one or more bullae of the region, while the proximal portion of the tool is disposed within the opening through the plug; and a navigation aid configured to facilitate suctioning through the tool of the fluid trapped within the one or more bullae of the emphysematous region, by, prior to suctioning through the tool being applied, facilitating navigation of the distal portion of the tool to respective individual bullae of the region, the navigation aid comprising at least one navigation aid selected from the group consisting of: