LUNG REDUCTION DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD

摘要

A device, system, and method provides for lung size reduction by permanently collapsing at least a portion of a lung. The lung portion may be collapsed by obstructing the air passageway which communicates the lung portion to be collapsed. The air passageway may be obstructed by an obstructing member which precludes airflow in either direction or with a one-way valve which permits air to be exhaled from the lung portion while precluding air from being inhaled into the lung portion. In addition, a vacuum may be pulled within the lung portion to be collapsed for collapsing the lung portion and while the lung portion is collapsed the obstructing member may be placed in the air passageway to maintain the lung portion in a permanently collapsed state.