BRIDGE ELEMENT FOR LUNG IMPLANT
A bridging element is utilized to hold and secure a device passing between the ribs of a patient and into the lung. The bridging element may comprise a hole or other fitting to secure the device positioned in the lung.
1 . An implantable medical device comprising:
a bridging element configured and adapted to be attached to one or more ribs in a patient; and
at least one fitting associated with the bridging element and configured and adapted to receive a device that is connected to a lung of a patient.
2 . The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one fitting includes a hole.
3 . The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one fitting is adapted to secure a conduit relative to one or more ribs.
4 . The device of claim 1 wherein:
said bridging element includes a first fastener and a second fastener;
said first fastener is adapted to attach said bridging element to a first rib; and
said second fastener is adapted to attach said bridging element to a second rib.
5 . The device of claim 4 wherein the first fastener includes one of a pin, a screw, a clamp, an adhesive, and a cement.
6 . The device of claim 1 wherein said bridging element is comprised of one of a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, and a ceramic.
7 . The device of claim 1 wherein said bridging element is a plate and said fitting is a hole provided through said plate.
8 . The device of claim 1 wherein said bridging element includes a first plate and a second plate and wherein said first plate is adapted to be positioned on a first side of a rib and said second plate is adapted to be positioned on a second side of a rib.
9 . The device of claim 1 wherein said bridging element includes a fastener that is adapted to be one of permanently affixed and temporarily affixed to a rib.
10 . The device of claim 1 wherein said fitting is made of flexible material.
11 . The device of claim 1 wherein said fitting is made of a material that allows for movement of at least one rib.
12 . The device of claim 1 wherein said bridging element is a biological material and said fastener is one of an adhesive, and a cement.
13 . The device of claim 1 wherein:
said bridging element includes a fastener adapted to attach said bridging element to a rib; and
said fastener includes one of a pin, a screw, a clamp, an adhesive, and a cement.
14 . An implantable medical device comprising:
a bridging element configured and adapted to be attached to one or more ribs in a patient;
said bridging element is comprised of material allows for movement of at least one rib;
at least one fitting associated with the bridging element and configured and adapted to receive a device that is connected to a lung of a patient;
wherein said at least one fitting includes a hole provided through said bridging element; and
a fastener adapted to affix the bridging element to at least one rib.
15 . The device of claim 14 wherein said bridging element is comprised of one of a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, and a ceramic.
16 . The device of claim 14 wherein said bridging element is made of a flexible material.
17 . The device of claim 14 wherein said fastener includes one of a pin, a screw, a clamp, an adhesive, and a cement.
18 . A method of placing an implant through a chest wall and into a lung comprising the steps of:
selecting a bridging element that includes a fitting that is adapted to receive an implant that is to be positioned through the chest wall and into a lung;
accessing at least one rib;
securing the bridging element to at least one rib; and
implanting the device through the fitting.
19 . The method of claim 18 including the steps of:
selecting a bridging element wherein said fitting is a hole; and
implanting the device through the hole.
20 . The method of claim 18 including the steps of:
selecting a bridging element wherein said fitting is a hole; and
either before or after the bridging element is secured to a rib, making a hole in a rib adjacent to where the fitting hole is positioned.