SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR CREATING A PNEUMOSTOMA AND TREATING CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

摘要

Surgical instruments and techniques for using the instruments are provided for creating a pneumostoma through the chest wall into the lung of a patient. The pneumostomy instruments and techniques may be used to create a pneumostoma which allows gases to escape from the lung through the chest wall and thereby treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The pneumostomy instrument includes a flexible shaft having an expanding pneumoplasty device at the distal end for displacing and engaging lung tissue. A mandrel is provided to facilitate introduction of the pneumoplasty device into the lung. A flange attached to the shaft allows the pneumoplasty device and lung to be drawn towards and the chest wall and secured in place during while the tract of the pneumostoma heals. The instrument is designed to be secured to the chest of the patient in a low-profile configuration during the post-operative period.