Bronchial flow control devices and methods of use
View Patent ↗A flow control device includes a sealing component that can be positioned within a bronchial lumen. The sealing component can comprise two or more overlapping segments that are movable relative to one another such that the segments collectively form a seal that can expand and contract in size to fit within and seal bronchial lumens of various sizes.
1. A method of regulating fluid flow to and from a region of an individual's lung, comprising:
placing a flow control device in a bronchial passage in communication with the region, the flow control device having a first set of one or more deployable arms in a collapsed configuration; and
radially expanding the first set of one or more deployable arms into engagement with a wall of the bronchial passage to anchor the flow control device therein;
wherein the flow control device has a plurality of overlapping segments that are movable relative to one another and collectively form a seal with a wall of the bronchial lumen that can expand and contract in size.
2. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the overlapping segments form a seal against fluid flow through the bronchial passage into the region and are movable to allow fluid flow through the bronchial passage out of the region.
3. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the overlapping segments are supported by the first set of deployable arms.
4. A method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising radially expanding a second set of one or more deployable arms into engagement with the wall of the bronchial passage.
5. A method as defined in claim 4 , wherein the overlapping segments are supported by the second set of deployable arms.
6. A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising radially collapsing the first set of one or more deployable arms prior to placing the flow control device in the bronchial passage.
7. A method as defined in claim 6 , wherein radially collapsing the deployable arms comprises positioning a sleeve over at least a portion of the one or more deployable arms.
8. A method as defined in claim 7 , wherein the sleeve is slidably coupled to the flow control device.
9. A method as defined in claims 7 , wherein positioning the sleeve comprises moving an actuator element coupled to the sleeve.
10. A method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising removing the flow control device from the bronchial passage after radially expanding the first set of one or more deployable arms.
11. A method as defined in claim 10 , wherein removing the flow control device comprises radially collapsing the first set of one or more deployable arms.
12. A method as defined in claim 11 wherein radially collapsing the first set of one or more deployable arms comprises positioning a sleeve over at least a portion of the one or more deployable arms.
13. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the overlapping segments collectively form a conical shape and wherein the diameter of the conical shape can vary as one segment moves with respect to another segment.