MEDICAL DEVICES AND PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING A LUNG AND TREATING CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

摘要

A pulmonary pleural stabilizer holds the visceral pleura of the lung during surgical procedures accessing the lung of a patient directly through the chest wall. The stabilizer allows the lung to be opened while another device is inserted and sealed to the lung. A localized pleurodesis may be created utilizing a chemical component to create an acute adhesion and a mechanical component to create a chronic adhesion. Once a device is inserted into the lung, a pleura anastomosis reinforcement device may be positioned adjacent the device to provide structural reinforcement and prevent damage to the pleura. A visceral pleura ring connector may also be positioned around the pleura and the device to receive and secure the device. A mechanical device or chemical process ensures that air flows freely through the implanted device. The medical devices and procedures provide treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.