Importance

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Abstract

This invention provides methods for treating a lung, such as to treat a patient suffering from COPD. One aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a lung including the steps of: endotracheally delivering an expandable member (such as an inflatable member) to an air passageway of the lung with a delivery system; expanding the expandable member to make contact with a wall of the air passageway; and providing an open lumen through the expandable member to provide access to a portion of the lung distal to the expandable member. Some embodiments add the step of plugging the lumen, such as by contacting a plug with the expandable member or closing a port in the lumen. Some embodiments of the invention also include the step of reducing collateral flow around the expandable member and/or reducing collateral flow to lung regions distal to the expandable member, such as by delivering a collateral flow blocking agent, through the lumen. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of causing the portion of the lung distal to the expandable member to reduce volume, such as by compressing the lung portion.

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First Claim