Abstract:
This invention relates to the treatment of a patient&#39;s lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient&#39;s lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/281,212, filed Nov. 16, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,698; which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/628,451, filed Nov. 16, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/648,036, filed Jan. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the treatment of a patient&#39;s lung, for example, the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). In particular this invention relates to systems, devices and methods for affecting lung volume reduction for the treatment of COPD, such as emphysema. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is generally characterized by airflow obstruction, which in particular limits the patient&#39;s air flow during expiration. Patients with chronic bronchitis have chronic cough with sputum production leading to obstructed expiration. In patients with emphysema, destruction of lung parenchyma can lead to loss of elastic recoil, reduced tethering of the airways, obstruction to expiration, and cough. 
         [0004]    Lung function as well as quality of life in patients suffering with a COPD can be improved by reducing a patient&#39;s effective lung volume. One way to reduce effective lung volume is by surgically removing diseased portions of the lungs, both to promote expansion of the non-diseased regions, realign a patient&#39;s diagraph and to redirect inhaled air from diseased portions of lungs into healthier, better functioning lung regions. Surgery often results in effective volume reduction of about 15-30%, which may not be sufficient to cause an appreciable improvement in lung function. Also, conventional lung reduction surgery is traumatic, even when thorascopic procedures are employed. 
         [0005]    Recently, bronchoscopic approaches for reducing effective lung volume have been proposed. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,592,594, 6,679,264, 6,398,775 and 6,610,043; and U.S. Patent Publications 2003/0181922, 2004/0055606, and 2004/0047855. One challenge to achieving effective lung reduction, particularly in emphysematous lungs, is collateral ventilation or collateral pathways. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for devices, methods and systems for reducing effective lung volume without surgery, and also for reducing lung volume in the presence of collateral pathways. The present invention is directed to meeting these, as well as other, needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention relates to the treatment of a patient&#39;s lung, for example, the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that can be treated by decreasing a patient&#39;s effective lung volume. In particular methods and devices of the invention relate to treatment for affecting lung volume reduction by delivering a thermal damaging agent to a targeted region of a patient&#39;s lung so that the region is essentially non-functional. 
         [0008]    A method of treating a patient&#39;s lung includes delivering a thermal damaging agent to a targeted region of the patient&#39;s lung to raise the temperature of the tissue in the region sufficiently high to the extent that blood flow and air flow within the targeted region are terminated. Preferably the thermal damaging agent damages at least one of the group consisting of tissue defining at least in part an air sac of the targeted region, tissue of terminal bronchioles in the targeted region and collateral passageways in the targeted region. The method can also include occluding an airway of the lung through which the thermal damaging agent is delivered at a point proximal to where the thermal damaging agent enters the target region so as to isolate the region and prevent excursions of the thermal damaging agent to areas outside the target region. 
         [0009]    One preferred method of treating a patient&#39;s lungs includes delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature at atmospheric pressures to lung tissue of the target region, particularly the tissue defining at least in part an air sac within the patient&#39;s lung. 
         [0010]    A device for delivering a thermal damaging agent to a targeted region of the patient&#39;s lung to raise the temperature of the lung tissue in the targeted region sufficiently high to render the targeted region essentially non-functional wherein neither blood flow or air flow occurs within the region. The device for delivering a thermal damaging agent includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a thermal damaging agent delivering lumen extending within at least a distal portion of the shaft. The device has at least one discharge port in the distal portion of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the thermal damaging agent delivering inner lumen. A thermal damaging agent generator is in fluid communication with the thermal damaging agent delivery lumen in the elongate shaft and is configured for generating a thermal damaging agent at a temperature above 40° C. to the tissue at the targeted region to render the region essentially non-functional. Preferably the device also includes an occluding member disposed on a distal portion of the shaft to occlude the airway passage proximal to the delivery location of the thermal damaging agent. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment the device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a vapor delivering inner lumen extending within at least the distal portion of the shaft. The device has at least one discharge port in the distal portion of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the vapor delivering inner lumen configured to deliver condensable vapor to the target region. A condensable vapor generator is provided in fluid communication with the vapor delivering lumen of the elongate shaft for generating a condensable vapor at a temperature above 40° C. to thermally damage tissue at the targeted region sufficiently to terminate blood flow and air flow to the targeted region. Preferably the device also includes an occluding member disposed on a distal portion of the shaft. The delivered condensable vapor is generally about 40° to 80° C., and preferably is about 50° to about 60° C. The condensable vapor is delivered to the targeted region for a period of about 5 seconds to about 10 minutes, preferably about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds. Suitable liquids for forming the condensable vapor includes water based fluids and perfluorocarbon. 
         [0012]    In addition to the treatment of COPD, other conditions can be treated, for example by applying the methods and devices described to pre-cancerous lesions, cancer tumors, or lung nodules. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, reducing the total volume of a patient&#39;s lung, especially an emphysematous lung, can be an effective treatment for COPD. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a method for treating a patient&#39;s lung embodying features of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is an enlarged view of an air sac and alveoli within the patient&#39;s lung shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a transverse cross sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 , taken along lines  3 A- 3 A. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a transverse cross sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 , taken along lines  3 B- 3 B. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an elevational view, partially in perspective, of a system embodying features of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to the device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to the device shown in  FIG. 2  which has a cartridge for storing vaporizable fluid. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5C  is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to the device shown in  FIG. 2  which is connected to a hand held operator or pistol grip handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a method for treating a patient&#39;s lung  10  embodying features of the invention that includes delivering a condensable vapor  12  to tissue defining an air sac or alveoli  14  within a patient&#39;s lung  10  at a temperature above body temperature, preferably about 40° C. to about 80° C., preferably about 50° C. to about 60° C. at atmospheric pressures, so as to damage the tissue of the air sac or alveoli  14 , the tissue of terminal bronchioles  16  and tissue of collateral passageways  18 . Such tissue damage renders the treated region non-functional in that the blood flow and air flow in the treated region is terminated. The treated region will no long inflate. 
         [0023]    The method includes delivering the condensable vapor through an airway  20  of the lung to the targeted lung region. Preferably the airway  20  is a bronchial passageway such as segmental bronchi, and most preferably a sub segmental bronchi  20 . 
         [0024]    The condensable vapor  12  serves to rapidly heat the targeted lung region as the vapor  12  is delivered and induces tissue collapse, shrinkage, neointima hyperplasia, necrosis and fibrosis (collectively referred to herein as “bioeffects”) of the targeted lung region. Such bioeffects render the target lung region non-functioning. 
         [0025]    The method may also include applying a vacuum to the targeted region after delivery of the condensable vapor to further supplement tissue contraction and collapse caused by introduction of the condensable vapor  12 . The vacuum generated in the targeted region is about 1 to about 50 mm Hg, preferably about 10 to about 30 mm Hg to effectively collapse the targeted region. The vacuum may also facilitate aspiration of any residual vapor or liquid. 
         [0026]    In general the vapor is applied into the targeted region through an airway for anywhere from 5 seconds to 10 minutes or longer. Preferably the condensable vapor is delivered for a short period of time, about 5 seconds to 10 seconds. Because tissue heating and the resulting damage is rapid using energetic vapor, short vapor application times are preferred. In longer procedures, less vapor may be used to cause gradual tissue bioeffects or to treat larger regions or volumes of tissue. Separate procedures may be utilized for separate regions to be treated. 
         [0027]    The condensable vapor  12  maybe generated from a liquid, for example, sterile water or other fluids such as perfluorocarbons, having relatively high liquid-gas phase-change temperatures, i.e. boiling points, preferably temperatures well above body temperature. In addition, preferably the condensable vapor  12  is at a temperature sufficient to increase the temperature of the surrounding lung parenchyma to cause damage, for example, above at least 40° C. 
         [0028]    In one method of the invention the condensable vapor  12  additionally includes a detectable substance, such as a dye, preferably a biocompatible dye, to detect movement of the condensable vapor  12  and the affected lung regions. Alternatively or in conjunction with the visually detectable substance, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopic and other conventional visualization techniques are used to monitor the vapor treatment and resulting tissue effects during and after treatment. 
         [0029]    In another method embodying features of the invention, the condensable vapor  12  is delivered with microparticulates. Suitable microparticulates include talc, calcium carbonate, antibiotics such as tetracycline and other penicillin derivates, or other particulate substances which induce fibrosis or cause necrosis of the lung tissue. 
         [0030]    In another method embodying features of the invention the condensable vapor  12  includes a treatment agent such as an anesthetic or painkillers to alleviate patient discomfort and pain during the treatment. A painkiller, such as lidocane in powder or liquid form, preferably is used or mixed with a condensable vapor  12 . Alternatively, pain killers may be delivered to the entire lung, or just to the targeted lung region. Patient preparation with pain medication before, during, and after the procedure is preferred in order to allow treatment using the present invention without the need for general anesthesia. 
         [0031]    In another method embodying features of the invention helium or carbon dioxide is delivered in addition to the vapor  12  to lower the temperature of the vapor  12 . 
         [0032]    A method of the invention includes occluding the airway of a lung proximal to the area where the condensable vapor  12  is delivered. In some embodiments, to prevent condensable vapor from entering and damaging adjacent airways and lung regions, the adjacent airways are filled with a fluid, such as saline. Airways leading to untargeted lung regions may be obstructed to prevent vapor flow therein. 
         [0033]    In one method embodying features of the invention high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy is delivered to damage lung tissue such as the tissue of an air sac or alveoli in the lung. Preferably suitable ultrasound transducers that are capable of delivering high intensity. focused ultrasound (HIFU), generally between about 100-10,000 W/cm 2  at a focal spot. 
         [0034]    The HIFU energy is delivered in amounts sufficient to cause contraction of lung tissue. Because HIFU can be tightly controlled, the ultrasound energy can be specifically targeted to the epithelium, smooth muscle layer, or collagen layer. Delivery of the HIFU energy can also serve to initiate a healing response (including neointima hyperplasia) which further serves to occlude the passageway. The method can include a wave guide to direct the HIFU sound waves to the intended treatment site. Additionally a vacuum may be applied prior the HIFU to draw down the airway or air sacs. Alternatively the vacuum may be applied after delivery of the HIFU energy as in the previously discussed embodiment to further supplement tissue contraction and collapse of the terminal bronchioles, air sacs and collateral passageways caused by introduction of the ultrasound energy. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, an ultrasound absorptive material, such as a liquid or gel, can be eluted into the airway of the lung. The absorptive material is heated by the HIFU energy in order to thermally damage the surrounding tissue, resulting in contraction of the airway and or neointima hyperplasia, which will occlude the airway and or damage the air sacs of the lung. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, RF energy can be delivered to a desired location within a patient&#39;s lung to damage lung tissue but this usually requires a conductive fluid in contact with the lung tissue for effective ablation. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  depicts a system  22  embodying features of the invention including an elongate shaft  24  having a distal portion  26  and a proximal portion  28 .  FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the elongate shaft  24  and  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show transverse cross sectional views of the elongate shaft along the lines  3 A- 3 A and lines  3 B- 3 B shown in  FIG. 2 . The elongated shaft  24  has at least one discharge port  30  in the distal portion  26  of the shaft configured to discharge condensable vapor  12  and a vapor delivering lumen  32  disposed within the elongate shaft  24  in fluid communication with the discharge port  30 . A vapor generator  34  is connected to the lumen  32  of the elongate shaft. 
         [0038]    The elongate shaft  24  also contains a vacuum lumen  36  which is configured to be connected to a vacuum source for application of a vacuum through vacuum port  38  in the distal portion  26  of the elongate shaft. 
         [0039]    The elongated shaft  24  is also provided with an inflation lumen  40  which leads to the inflation port  42 . Port  42  opens to the interior  44  of the inflatable balloon  46  which is secured to the distal portion  26  of the shaft. The inflation device  48  may be a conventional syringe. The occluding member  46  is preferably expandable, compliant, and is configured to prevent vapor flow proximal to the location of the member. Suitable balloon materials include silicone or latex. The exterior of the working surface of the inflatable balloon  46  is preferably provided with a knurled or roughened surface to better engage the airway walls and prevent recoil when the condensable vapor is delivered to the target location. 
         [0040]    A venting system may be included with the device to ensure that high pressure does not exceed suitable limits. The venting system includes a venting lumen  50  in the shaft  24  which is in fluid communication with the port  52  in the distal end of the shaft  24 . The venting mechanism can be a pressure actuated relief valve  54 . 
         [0041]    The device  22  also includes a temperature sensor  56 , for example a thermocouple, located on the distal portion  26  of the elongate shaft  24  to monitor the surrounding temperature. When the temperature is too high, the lung region is brought back to normal temperatures with a lavage or washout procedure to facilitate removal of residual vapor. 
         [0042]    The device  22  preferably includes a pressure sensor  58  on the distal portion  26  of the elongate shaft  24  to detect pressure within the targeted lung region. The pressure sensor  58  communicates with a pressure gauge  60  on the proximal portion  28  of the elongate shaft  24 . The pressure sensing system may be tied in with the venting system to ensure that preset pressure limits are not exceeded during vapor delivery. Over inflation of the target region could lead to air leaks and tears in the lung pleura. 
         [0043]    A suitable flow meter (not shown) may be included to monitor vapor flow to the targeted region of the patient&#39;s lung. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 4  the elongate shaft  24  is configured to be delivered through the working channel (not shown) of an endoscope  62 , preferably a bronchoscope. The working channel of the endoscope  62  is preferably between about 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The endoscope  62  is connected to an endoscope controller  64  and an endoscope monitor  66 . Preferably, the distal portion  26  of the elongate shaft  24  is flexible to facilitate advancement of the elongate shaft in the working channel of the endoscope  62 , while the proximal portion  28  is sufficiently rigid for good pushability of the shaft through and out of a distal opening of the endoscope. The distal portion  26  of the shaft  24  is about 1-6 French, the occluding balloon when inflated is larger than the working channel of the endoscope and is typically about 8 French. A suitable endoscope is the Olympus LF-TP bronchoscope. 
         [0045]    Alternatively or in addition to the use of the occluding member  46 , airways adjacent the delivery airway can be obstructed, for example, with a fluid such as saline. The fluid in the adjacent airways prevents condensable vapor  12  from entering into other lung regions which are not targeted for treatment and prevents damage of the adjacent regions. 
         [0046]    Preferably the vapor generator  34 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , is external to the elongate shaft  24  and stores the liquid supply. The vapor generator  34  has an outer housing  72  which houses internal structures including a liquid chamber  74  and an inner vapor conduit  76 . Liquid may be loaded directly into the liquid chamber. The inner vapor conduit  76  extends from the liquid chamber  74  of the vapor generator  34  to the proximal portion  28  of the first lumen  32  and receives the condensable vapor  12  from the liquid chamber  74  a via an inlet port  78 . The vapor generator  34  couples to the elongate shaft  24  via a luer fitting or similar mechanism. The liquid chamber  74  has heating elements such as resistive heating elements, or a RF heater or the like for vaporizing liquid inside the liquid chamber to a condensable vapor. When the liquid is vaporized, the vapor travels from the liquid chamber  74  through the inner vapor conduit  76  and exits into the proximal portion of the vapor lumen  32  of the elongate shaft  24  of the device. 
         [0047]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5B  the vapor generator includes a cartridge compartment  80  which receives a cartridge  82  in fluid communication with the lumen  32  and containing a predetermined amount of liquid for vaporizing. The cartridge  82  is configured to preferably snap-fit into the compartment  80 . When the vapor generator  34  is activated the fluid in the cartridge  82  is heated to a vapor. The condensable vapor  12  is then delivered to the proximal end of the first lumen  32 . A predetermined volume or amount of vapor pressure to be delivered to a patient&#39;s lung  10  can be determined or calculated based on diagnostic evaluations or parameters of the patient before the treatment procedure, such as forced expiratory volume (FEV) or other lung function and capacity indicators. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the vapor generator  34 , as shown in  FIG. 5C  has an inner vapor conduit  76  which extends into a generator tube  84 . The generator tube  84  connects to a pistol grip handle  86  which is configured to couple to the proximal portion  28  of the elongate shaft. The pistol grip handle  86  can be used to activate heating of the vapor  12  within the liquid chamber  74  of the vapor generator  34 . The condensable vapor travels from the vapor generator  34  to the pistol grip  86  and into the elongate shaft  24 . 
         [0049]    Alternatively, the vapor generator  34  can be disposed within the elongate shaft  24 . The heating elements, for example an RF electrode or emitter such as a helical coil, may be embedded within the wall of the shaft, surrounding the lumen  32 . The heater may be used as an alternative to the vapor generator  34  or to augment or further control the temperature of the vapor leaving the discharge port  30  from lumen  32 . 
         [0050]    Preferably, the elongate shaft  24  of the device  22  is heat insulated to avoid overheating of the elongate shaft  24  inside the endoscope  62 . In one embodiment the elongate shaft  24  contains a liquid lumen (not shown) and a cooling fluid is delivered within this lumen to prevent overheating. 
         [0051]    The condensable vapor  12  is a substance which is capable of rapidly heating a region of the lung to render the target region non-functioning where there is little or no blood flow or air flow within the region. Suitable condensable vapors  12  are selected from the group consisting of condensable vapors from aqueous based fluids, for example, sterile water, saline, contrast fluid, and other fluids such as perfluorocarbons, liquid antibiotics, and other liquids having high liquid-gas phase-change temperatures, i.e. boiling point, preferably above body temperature. In addition preferably the condensable vapor  12  is at a temperature sufficient to increase the temperature of the tissue at the target site to cause tissue damage. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment of the invention the condensable vapor  12  includes a detectable substance, such as a dye or a biocompatible dye, to allow the physician to visually track progress of treatment and which lung regions have been treated. Alternatively or in conjunction with the visually detectable material, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopic and other conventional visualization techniques are used to monitor the condensable vapor treatment and resulting tissue effects during and after treatment. 
         [0053]    In yet another embodiment the condensable vapor  12  comprises a treatment agent such as a pain-numbing substance or painkillers to alleviate patient discomfort and pain during the treatment. A painkiller, such as lidocane in aqueous powder or liquid form, preferably is used or mixed with a condensable vapor  12 . Alternatively pain killers are delivered to the entire lung, or the targeted lung region. Preferably patient preparation with pain medication before, during, and after the procedure is preferred in order to allow treatment using the present invention without the need for general anesthesia. The device can include a drug delivery lumen in fluid communication with a drug delivery port in the distal portion of the elongate shaft. Painkillers or other drugs can be delivered to the desired area through the optional drug delivery lumen. 
         [0054]    In yet another embodiment the elongate shaft  24  of device  22  has a helium or carbon dioxide delivery lumen (not shown) for delivering helium or carbon dioxide in addition to the vapor  12  to lower the temperature of the condensable vapor  12 . 
         [0055]    While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent that various modifications and improvements can be made to the invention. Moreover, individual features of embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, but those skilled in the art will recognize that individual features of one embodiment of the invention can be combined with any or all the features of another embodiment. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated. It is therefore intended that this invention be defined by the scope of the appended claims as broadly as the prior art will permit. 
         [0056]    Terms such as “element”, “member”, “device”, “section”, “portion”, “component”, “means”, “steps” and words of similar import when used herein shall not be construed as invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C §112(6) unless the following claims expressly use the terms “means” or “step” followed by a particular function without reference to a specific structure or action. All patents and all patent applications referred to above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.