METHOD FOR TREATING AIRWAYS IN THE LUNG
A device and method for treating bodily conduits involves the application of energy to the smooth muscle tissue of the conduit walls to reduce the bulk of smooth muscle tissue and mucus glands. The irradiation treatment of the smooth muscle tissue causes a reduction in the amount of smooth muscle tissue over time which increases the inner diameter of the body conduit for improved fluid flow and prevents smooth muscle spasms. The treatment is particularly useful in the lungs for treatment of asthma to prevent bronchospasms, increase the airway diameter for improved air exchange, and reduce mucus secretions in the lungs.
1 . A method of energy delivery for preventing smooth muscle tissue replication in a human lung, the method comprising:
providing a source of energy; and
irradiating walls of an airway in a human lung with the source of energy at a wavelength and intensity which prevents smooth muscle tissue from replicating and causes debulking of the smooth muscle tissue.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the source of energy comprises inserting an energy delivery device into the airway.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting energy in a substantially radial direction from a distal end of the energy delivery device.
4 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising moving a distal end of the energy delivery device through the airway in a uniform painting like motion.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising exposing a length or an inner circumference of the airway to the energy.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting light energy having a wavelength of about 240 nm to about 280 nm.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting light energy having a wavelength in the red visible range.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein irradiating further comprises delivering a photo-active substance to the airway, wherein the photo-active substance enhances the ability of light energy to prevent the smooth muscle tissue from replicating.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the source of energy emits energy at the wavelength and intensity which, when applied to the airway crosslinks DNA in smooth muscle cells surrounding the airway and prevents the smooth muscle cells from replicating.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein irradiating comprises exposing the airway to radiation.
11 . A method for reducing the ability of tissue to contract in a human lung, the method comprising:
providing a source of energy; and
irradiating the walls of an airway in a human lung with the source of energy at a wavelength and intensity which affects smooth muscle tissue of the airway so as to prevent the airway from contracting or undergoing a spasm.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein providing the source of energy comprises inserting an energy delivery device into the airway.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting energy in a substantially radial direction from a distal end of the energy delivery device.
14 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising moving the distal end of the energy delivery device through the airway in a uniform painting like motion.
15 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising exposing a length or an inner circumference of the airway to the energy.
16 . The method of claim 11 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting light energy having a wavelength of about 240 nm to about 280 nm.
17 . The method of claim 11 , wherein irradiating comprises emitting light energy having a wavelength in the red visible range.
18 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising delivering photo-activate substances to the airway.
19 . The method of claim 11 , wherein irradiating comprises exposing the airway to radiation.
20 . A method of energy delivery for treating asthma, the method comprising:
providing a source of laser energy; and
irradiating walls of an airway in a human lung with the source of laser energy at a wavelength and intensity which reduces smooth muscle tissue so as to treat asthma.