High pressure and high temperature vapor catheters and systems

Abstract

Devices and systems are described for treating intraluminal locations such as in a patient's lung. The device has an elongated shaft with an inner lumen, preferably defined by an inner tubular member, formed of heat resistant polymeric materials such as polyimide. The device also has an outer surface formed of heat resistant material. High temperature vapor is directed through the inner lumen into the intraluminal location to treat tissue at and distal to the location. An enlarged or enlargeable member, such as a balloon, is provided on a distal portion of the shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to medical devices, systems and methods, and in particular to intrabronchial catheters, systems and methods for delivering a high pressure, high temperature vapor to one or more tissue targets in a patient's lungs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heating therapies are increasingly used in various medical disciplines including cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, oncology as well as a number of other medical specialties. In general, the manifold clinical effects of superphysiological tissue temperatures results from underlying molecular and cellular responses, including expression of heat-shock proteins, cell death, protein denaturation, tissue coagulation and ablation. Associated with these heat-induced cellular alternations and responses are dramatic changes in tissue structure, function and properties that can be exploited for a desired therapeutic outcome such as tissue injury, shrinkage, modification, destruction and/or removal.

Heating techniques in the lung pose several technical challenges because lung tissue is more aerated than most tissues and also due to its vascularization. Accordingly, these new heating methods, devices and systems for rapid, controllable, effective and efficient heating of lung tissue are needed. The present invention is directed at meeting these as well as other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to devices, such as catheters, and systems for thermally treating a body lumen. The device has an inner lumen defined at least in part by a heat resistant material which facilitates delivery of high temperature vapor within a body lumen. The device may have an enlarged or enlargeable member on a distal portion of the device to prevent proximal flow of high temperature vapor which can damage healthy tissue. The device has an exterior which is also formed of a heat resistant material.

More specifically, the invention relates to novel intrabronchial devices or catheters, methods and systems for volumetric heating one or more target tissues in a patient's lungs. Preferably, the one or more target lung tissues are heated to superphysiological temperatures (temperatures above at least 40 degrees Celsius) by dispersing a vapor in an airway that ventilates the one or more target tissues. Because of the physiological characteristics of the airways, the vapor can be delivered focally or regionally dependent on where in the airways the vapor is dispersed.

In a first aspect of the invention, a catheter for treating a patient's lung comprises, an elongated shaft having an inner tubular member formed of heat resistant polymeric material and an outer tubular formed of heat resistant polymeric material disposed about the inner tubular member and defining at least in part a lumen between the inner and outer tubular member; an inflatable member on a distal portion of the elongated shaft formed of heat resistant polymeric material having an interior which is in fluid communication with the lumen between the inner and outer tubular members. An adapter is located on a proximal portion of the elongated shaft having a first arm. Said adapter is in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the inner tubular member and is configured to be connected to a heat generator. The adapter may also have a second arm which is in fluid communication with the lumen between the inner and outer tubular member and which is configured to be connected to a source of inflation fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner tubular member and outer tubular member are preferably formed from a polyimide, preferably a braided polyimide polymeric material. The elongated shaft has an outer transverse dimension less than 5 French and the inflatable member is formed of a silicone or a polysilicone. When the inflatable member is inflated, inflatable member preferably has an inflated diameter between about 0.5 to about 2 mm.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a system for treating a patient's lung, comprises: an elongated shaft having an inner tubular member formed of heat resistant polymeric material with an inner lumen and an outer tubular formed of heat resistant polymeric material disposed about the inner tubular member and defining at least in part a lumen between the inner and outer tubular member; and an inflatable member on a distal portion of the elongated shaft formed of heat resistant polymeric material having an interior which is in fluid communication with the lumen between the inner and outer tubular members; a fluid heating member which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the inner tubular member of the elongated catheter and which is configured to heat liquid to form a high temperature vapor; and an adapter on the proximal end of the elongated catheter configured to be in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the inner tubular member and the fluid heating member.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a medical kit for vapor heating of one or more target lung tissues comprises a packaged, sterile liquid or liquid composition and a high temperature vapor delivery device or catheter. Other embodiments of medical kits comprise instructions of use, syringes, and the like.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a human respiratory system;

FIG. 2 illustrates the airway in the respiratory system;

FIG. 3 illustrates one method of treating a volume of lung tissue embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a vapor generator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a generator display or user interface;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an energy delivery catheter embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a catheter embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 7 taken along lines 7A-7A; and

FIG. 7B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the catheter illustrated in FIG. 7 taken along lines 7B-7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a human respiratory system 10. The respiratory system 10 resides within the thorax 12 that occupies a space defined by the chest wall 14 and the diaphragm 16. The human respiratory system 10 includes left lung lobes 44 and 46 and right lung lobes 48, 50, and 52.

The respiratory system 10 further includes trachea 18; left and right main stem bronchus 20 and 22 (primary, or first generation) and lobar bronchial branches 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 (second generation). Segmental and subsegmental branches further bifurcate off the lobar bronchial branches (third and fourth generation). Each bronchial branch and sub-branch communicates with a different portion of a lung lobe, either the entire lung lobe or a portion thereof. As used herein, the term “air passageway” or “airway” means a bronchial branch of any generation, including the bronchioles and terminal bronchioles.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the airway anatomy emphasizing the upper right lung lobe 48. In addition to the bronchial branches illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows subsegmental bronchial branches (fourth generation) that provide air circulation (i.e. ventilation) to superior right lung lobe 48. The bronchial segments branch into six generations and the bronchioles branch into approximately another three to eight generations or orders. Each airway generation has a smaller diameter than its predecessor, with the inside diameter of a generation varying depending on the particular bronchial branch, and further varying between individuals. A typical lobar bronchus providing air circulation to the upper right upper lobe 48 has an internal diameter of approximately 1 cm. Typical segmental bronchi have internal diameter of approximately of about 4 to about 7 mm.

The airways of the lungs branch much like the roots of a tree and anatomically constitute an extensive network of air flow conduits that reach all lung areas and tissues. The airways have extensive branching that distally communicates with the parenchyma alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Because of these physiological characteristics of the airways, a medium, such as a vapor, delivered through an airway can be delivered focally or more regionally dependant on the airway location at which the medium is delivered or dispersed.

While not illustrated, a clear, thin, shiny covering, known as the serous coat or pleura, covers the lungs. The inner, visceral layer of the pleura is attached to the lungs and the outer parietal layer is attached to the chest wall 14. Both layers are held in place by a film of pleural fluid in a manner similar to two glass microscope slides that are wet and stuck together. Essentially, the pleural membrane around each lung forms a continuous sac that encloses the lung and also forms a lining for the thoracic cavity 12. The space between the pleural membranes forming the lining of the thoracic cavity 12 and the pleural membranes enclosing the lungs is referred to as the pleural cavity. If the air tight seal around the lungs created by the pleural members are breached (via a puncture, tear, or is otherwise damaged) air can enter the sac and cause the lungs to collapse.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally a procedure in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a bronchoscope 100 having a working channel into which an energy delivery catheter 200 is inserted. Bronchoscope 100 is inserted into a patient's lungs while the proximal portion of the energy delivery catheter 200 remaining outside of the patient. Energy delivery catheter 200 is adapted to operatively couple to an energy generator 300 as further discussed below.

Though not illustrated, patients can be intubated with a double-lumen endobronchial tube during the procedure, which allows for selective ventilation or deflation of the right and left lung. Depending on the location or locations of the target lung tissues to be treated, it may be preferable to stop ventilation of the target lung tissue. Also, while not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment, the procedure can be performed minimally invasively with energy catheter 200 introduced percutaneously through the chest wall and advanced to an appropriate location for with the aid of an introducer or guide sheath (with or without introduction into an airway).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention wherein energy generator 300 is configured as a vapor generator. Preferably, vapor generator is configured to deliver a controlled dose of vapor to one or more target lung tissues. Generally, vapor generator 300 is adapted to convert a biocompatible liquid 301 (e.g. saline, sterile water or other biocompatible liquid), into a wet or dry vapor, which is then delivered to one or more target tissues. A wet vapor refers to a vapor that contains vaporous forms of the liquid as well as a non-negligible proportion of minute liquid droplets carried over with and held in suspension in the vapor. A dry vapor refers to a vapor contained little or no liquid droplets. In general, vapor generator 300 is configured to have a liquid capacity between about 1000 to 2500 cc and configured to generate a vapor having a pressure between about 5-100 psig and temperatures between about 100-175° C.

Vapor generator 300 is preferably configured as a self-contained, medical-grade generator unit comprising at least a controller (not shown), a vaporizing unit 302, a vapor inlet 304, a vapor outlet 306 and a connective handle (not shown). The vaporizing unit 302 comprises a fluid chamber for containing a fluid 302, preferably a biocompatible, sterile fluid, in a liquid state. Vapor outlet 304 is coupled to one or more pipes or tubes 310, which in turn are in fluid communication with a vapor lumen of a hub assembly or other adapter, which in turn is adapted to operatively couple to the proximal end of energy delivery catheter 200. Several embodiments of energy delivery catheter 200 are described below. Vapor flow from vapor generator 300 to a catheter (and specifically a vapor lumen of said catheter) is depicted as a vapor flow circuit 314 wherein flow of the vapor in circuit 314 is indicated by arrows 314 in FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment, vapor generator is configured to deliver a reportable dose of vapor energy delivery catheter 200.

Vaporizer unit 302 is configured to heat and vaporize a liquid contained in a fluid chamber (not shown). Other components can be incorporated into the biocompatible liquid 301 or mixed into the vapor. For example, these components can be used in order to control perioperative and/or post procedural pain, enhance tissue fibrosis, and/or control infection. Other constituents, for the purpose of regulating vapor temperatures and thus control extent and speed of tissue heating, can be incorporated; for example, in one implementation, carbon dioxide, helium, other noble gases can be mixed with the vapor to decrease vapor temperatures.

Vaporizing unit 302 comprises a fluid inlet 304 that is provided to allow liquid 301 to be added to the fluid chamber as needed. Fluid chamber can be configured to accommodate or vaporize sufficient liquid as need to apply vapor to one or more target tissues. Liquid in vaporizing unit 302 is heated and vaporized and the vapor flows into vapor outlet 304. A number of hollow thermally conductive pipes 314 are adapted to fluidly connect vapor outlet 304 and connective handle, which in turn is adapted to operatively couple to a variety of energy delivery catheters via a hub assembly or other connecting means. Preferably, hub assembly or other connecting means is configured to allow for secure yet quick connect and release from the connective handle of the generator. Preferably, there is little or no vapor-to-liquid transition during movement of the vapor through vapor flow circuit 314. Vapor flow through vapor flow circuit 314 is unidirectional (in the direction of arrows 314), accordingly one or more isolation valves 320 are incorporated in vapor flow circuit 314. Isolation valves 320, which are normally open during use of generator 300 to minimize vapor flow in a direction opposite that of the vapor flow circuit 314.

A priming line 330, branching from main vapor flow circuit 314, is provided to minimize or prevent undesirable liquid-state water formation during vapor flow through vapor flow circuit 314. Pressure and temperature changes along vapor flow circuit 314 can affect whether the vapor is sustainable in a vapor state or condensed back into a liquid. Priming line 330 is provided to equalize temperatures and/or pressures along vapor flow circuit 314 in order to minimize or prevent undesirable liquid-state transition of the vapor during its progression through vapor flow circuit 314. In one embodiment, an initial “purge” or “priming” procedure can be preformed prior to delivery of a therapeutic vapor dose in order to preheat flow, circuit 314 thus maintaining a constant temperature and pressure in the main vapor flow circuit 314 prior to delivery of a vapor to the target lung tissue.

As shown in FIG. 4, priming line 330 terminates at evaporator 332, which is adapted to either house undesirable liquid in a collection unit (not shown) located within generator 300. In one embodiment, collection unit is adapted to house the liquid until a user or clinician is able to empty said collection unit. Alternatively, evaporator 332 is configured to evaporate and expel said undesirable liquid into the ambient air. Baffle plates (not shown) or other like means can be incorporated in evaporator 332 to facilitate maximal vapor-to-liquid transition. It should be understood that other suitable evaporator configurations could be included to facilitate vapor-to-liquid transition during a priming procedure of lines 314.

A number of sensors, operatively connected to a controller, can be incorporated into vapor generator 300, for example, in the liquid chamber, or along any point in vapor flow circuit 314, a number of sensors can be provided. Water level sensors, adapted to monitor the water level in the liquid chamber, can be included. These water level sensors are configured as upper and lower security sensors to sense or indicate when a liquid level in the fluid chamber is below or above a set fluid level. In example, if a water level in the fluid chamber falls below the level of a lower water control sensor, the controller can be configured to interrupt the operation of the vapor generator 300.

In yet another embodiment, pressure sensors, or manometers, can be included in vaporizing unit 302, or at various points along the vapor flow circuit 314, to measure the liquid or vapor pressures at various discrete locations and/or to measure vapor pressures within a defined segment along circuit 314. One or more control valves 320 can also be installed at various points in the vapor flow circuit 314 to control vapor flow for instance to control or increase the vapor flow or vapor flow rates in vapor flow circuit 314. In yet another embodiment, a safety valve 322 can be incorporated into the liquid chamber of vaporizing unit 302 and coupled to a vapor overflow line 340 if the need for removing or venting vaporizing unit 302 arises during generator 300 operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a user interface 360 of vapor generator 300. As illustrated, the user interface 360 comprises various visual readouts intended to provide clinical users information about various treatment parameters of interest, such as pressure, temperature and/or duration of vapor delivery. Vapor generator 300 can also be adapted to incorporate one or more auditory alerts, in addition to or in lieu of, visual indicators provided on user interface 360. These one or more auditory alerts are designed to provide an alert to a clinical user, such as when vapor delivery is complete, when liquid chamber must be refilled or the like. As will be recognized by those in the art, other components, while not shown, can be incorporated including any of the following: a keyboard; a real-time imaging system display (such as a CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound); memory system; and/or one or more recording systems.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another aspect of the invention, in particular a vapor catheter 200 embodying various features of the present invention. Generally, catheter 200 is adapted to operatively connect to a connective handle of vapor generator 300 via hub assembly 202. Catheter 200 includes elongate shaft 204 defined by proximal section 206 and distal section 208. Elongated shaft 204 is formed with at least one lumen (such as a vapor, inflation, sensing, imaging, guidewire, vacuum lumen) extending from proximal section 206 to distal section 208 of shaft 204. Starting at proximal section 206, catheter 200 comprises strain relief member 201.

Elongated shaft 204 further comprises at least one occlusive member 210 disposed at distal section 208 and distal tip 210 having at least one distal port 212. In one embodiment, the at least one distal port 212 is configured as a vapor outlet port. In yet another embodiment, vapor outlet port may also be used as an aspiration port while catheter is coupled to a vacuum source (not shown) in order to aspirate mucus, fluids, and other debris from an airway through which catheter 200 is advanced prior to vapor delivery. Alternatively, catheter 200 can be configured to include a separate vacuum lumen and aspiration ports as needed. Distal tip 210 can be adapted into a variety of shapes depending on the specific clinical need and application. For example, distal tip 210 can be adapted to be atraumatic in order to minimize airway damage during delivery.

The dimensions of the catheter are determined largely by the size airway lumen through which the catheter must pass in order to deliver the catheter to an airway location appropriate for treatment of the one or more target tissues. An airway location appropriate for treatment of a target lung tissue depends on the volume of the target tissue and the proximity of catheter tip to the target tissue. Generally, catheter 200 is low profile to facilitate placement of catheter distal tip 210 as close as practicable to proximally and peripherally located target lung tissue, i.e. in order to facilitate the catheter's advancement into smaller and deeper airways. In addition, the low profile feature of catheter 200 also ensures that catheter can be delivered to the lungs and airways through a working channel of a bronchoscope, including for example, through the working channels of ultra-thin bronchoscopes. Preferably, catheter 200 is slideably advanced and retracted from a bronchoscope working channel. The overall length and diameter of catheter 200 can be varied and adapted according to: the specific clinical application; size of the airway to be navigated; and/or the location of the one or more target tissues.

Occlusive member or members 210 are similarly configured to provide the smallest possible size when deflated to facilitate ready retraction of catheter 200 back into the working channel of a bronchoscope following completion of a treatment procedure involving delivery of one or more vapor doses to one or more target tissues. The one or more occlusive members 210 are provided to obstruct of proximal vapor flow and/or seat catheter 200 in the patient's airway during vapor delivery without slipping.

Obstruction of an airway by occlusive member 210 prevents retrograde flow of vapor to tissues located outside of the desired target tissues. Because of the physiological characteristics of the airways, in particular the fact that the airways ventilate and communicate specific lung parenchyma or tissues, vapor delivered or dispersed at a particular airway location (e.g. at the bronchial, subsegmental, main bronchi) determines whether there is a focal or regional heating of tissue. In addition to location of the catheter distal tip, other considerations that impact whether there is focal or regional tissue heating patterns (i.e. volume of tissue heated or size of thermal lesion) created include: time or duration of vapor delivery; the vapor flow rate; and vapor content (dry vs. wet; vapor alone vs. vapor cocktail). Preferably, the one or more occlusive members 210 are compliant to ensure: adequate seating; airway obstruction; and/or complete collapse following deflation.

Catheter 200 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials and formed by any process such as extrusion, co-extrusion, continuous extrusion, blow molding, or other methods well know in the art. Desirable qualities of catheter 200 include sufficient stiffness facilitating torque transfer and pushability balanced with flexibility facilitating tracking through tortuous airways; outer surface lubricity to facilitate passage of catheter 200 through a bronchoscope, guide catheter, or the like; and a sidewall strength that prevents its kinking. In addition, catheter 200 and its various components are fabricated from durable enough materials for withstanding the high temperatures and pressures of the vapor delivered through catheter 200.

Catheter 200 and elongated shaft 204 can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to: braided polyimide, silicone, or reinforced silicone. These materials are relatively flexible, yet have good pushability characteristics, while able to withstand the high temperature and pressure of vapor flow. In general, suitable materials should withstand or should be adapted to withstand vapor pressures of up to 100 psig, at temperatures up to 170° C. Examples of suitable materials include various braided polyimide tubing available from IW High Performance Conductors, Inc. (See www.iwghpc.com/MedicalProducts/Tubing.html.) Similarly, the one or more occlusive members 210 are preferably fabricated from similar materials having pressure and temperature tolerant attributes as elongated shaft 204, but preferably which is also compliant, such as silicone available from Dow Corning Q74720. As an added feature, catheter 200 and elongated shaft 204 can further be adapted to include varying flexibility and stiffness characteristics along the length of shaft 204 based on the clinical requirements and desired advantages. While not shown, various sensing members, including for example pressure, temperature and flow sensors known in the art can be incorporated into catheter 200. For example, catheter 200 can be adapted to include a sensing lumen for advancement or connection with various sensory devices such as pressure, temperature and flow sensors.

Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a preferred embodiment of a vapor catheter 400. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the elongate shaft 404 while FIGS. 7A and 7B show transverse cross sectional views of the elongate shaft 404 taken along the lines 7A-7A and lines 7B-7B respectively. In this preferred embodiment, catheter 400 comprises an elongated catheter shaft 404 having an outer tubular member 406 and an inner tubular member 408 disposed within outer tubular member 406.

Inner tubular member 408 defines a vapor lumen 410 adapted to receive a vapor and which is in fluid communication with a vapor flow circuit 314 of generator 300. The coaxial relationship between outer tubular member 406 and inner tubular member 408 defines annular inflation lumen 412. Vapor lumen 410 terminates at vapor port 424.

Inflation balloon 414 is disposed on a distal section of elongated catheter shaft 404 and having proximal 416 and distal 418 balloon ends sealingly secured to outer tubular member 406. One or more inflation ports 420 are disposed on outer tubular member 406 between the proximal 416 and distal 418 ends of inflation balloon 414 so that the interior of inflation balloon 414 is in fluid communication with inflation lumen 412. (See FIG. 7B).

As shown in FIG. 7, structural members 422 are disposed between inner tubular member 408 and outer tubular member 406 at distal vapor port 424 to seal inflation lumen 412 and provide structural integrity at the catheter tip. Structural members 422 are preferably made of stainless steel, nickel titanium alloys, gold, gold plated materials or other radiopaque materials, to provide catheter tip visibility under fluoroscopy and/or provide sufficient echogenicity so that the catheter tip is detectable using ultrasonography. Hub assembly 426 (or other adaptor) at the proximal end of catheter 400 is configured to direct an inflation fluid (such as a liquid or air) into inflation lumen 412 as well as provide access to vapor lumen 410.

FIG. 7B illustrates inflation balloon 414 in an inflated or expanded configuration. Inflation balloon 414 inflates to a cylindrical cross section equal to that of a target airway in order to obstruct the airway and prevent proximal or retrograde vapor flow. This inflated configuration is achieved at an inflation pressure within the working pressure range of balloon 414. Inflation balloon 414 has a working length, which is sufficiently long to provide adequate seating in a target airway without slippage during or prior to vapor delivery.

Provided are dimensions of suitable vapor catheters 400 in accordance with the present invention. Outer tubular member 406 has an outer diameter of about 0.05 to about 0.16 inches, usually about 0.065 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.04 to about 0.15 inches, usually about 0.059 inches. The wall thickness of outer tubular member 406 and inner tubular member 408 can vary from about 0.001 to about 0.005 inches, typically about 0.003 inches. The inner tubular member 408 typically has an outer diameter of about 0.04 to about 0.15 inches, usually about 0.054 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.03 to about 0.14 inches, usually about 0.048 inches.

The overall working length of catheter 400 may range from about 55 to about 150 cm, typically about 110 to about 120 cm. Preferably, inflation balloon 414 has a total length about 5 to about 20 mm; a working length of about 1 to about 18 mm, preferably about 4 to about 8 mm. Inflation balloon 414 has an inflated working outer diameter of about 4 to about 20 mm, preferably about 4 to about 8 mm within a working pressure range of inflation balloon 414. In preferred embodiment, outer tubular member 406 and inner tubular member 408 is braided polyimide tubular member from IWG High Performance Conductors. Specifically, the braided polyimide tubular member comprises braided stainless steel, with the braid comprising rectangular or round stainless steel wires, preferably, the braided stainless steel having about 90 picks per inch. The individual stainless steel strands may be coated with heat resistant polyimide and then braided or otherwise formed into a tubular member or the stainless steel wires or strands may be braided or otherwise formed into a tubular product and the braided surfaces of the tubular product may be coated with a heat resistant polyimide.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the devices, catheters and generators of the present invention can be used to heat one or more target lung tissue to treat a variety of lung diseases and conditions, including but not limited to lung tumors, solitary pulmonary nodules, lung abscesses, tuberculosis, other microorganisms, asthma as well as a variety of other diseases and disorders.

In one embodiment, a procedure for inducing lung volume reduction (as a treatment for emphysema) involves advancing catheter 400 into a segmental or sub-segmental airway and delivering a controlled dose of high temperature vapor. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the vapor carries most of the energy and heat required to convert liquid in vapor generator from a liquid into a vapor. Upon dispersion of the vapor into the airways, the vapor penetrates into the interstitial channels between the cells, and distributes thermal area over a volume of tissue, permitting tissue heating to be accomplished quickly, usually with a few seconds or minutes. Vapor heating of target lung tissue is intended to cause tissue injury, shrinkage and/or ablation, in order to cause volumetric reduction of one or more target lung tissues. Lung volume reduction is immediate and/or occurs over several weeks or months.

Depending on the extent of the volumetric reduction (complete or partial reduction of a lobe) desired, catheter 400 is navigated into one or more airways, preferably into segmental or sub-segmental airways and the vapor is delivered into as many segmental or sub-segmental airways as needed during a single treatment procedure to effect the therapeutically optimal extent of lung volume reduction. In a preferred embodiment, a vapor generator configured to create a vapor having a vapor pressure between about 5-100 psig, at a temperature between about 100-175° C. within vapor generator 300 is employed. The vapor catheter, having a length of about 55-150 cm in length and a vapor lumen inner diameter of about 0.03-0.14 inches is used to deliver into a sub-segmental airway that communicates with either the left and right upper lobes, and vapor delivered for a period of about 1-20 seconds during a single vapor shot into one airway. Such a system configuration provides an energy delivery rate of about 5 cal/sec to about 1500 cal/sec. Depending on the size and density of the lumen to be volumetrically reduced. The treatment can be modulated, to effect volumetric reduction of a left or right upper lobe. Preferably, energy deliver to a target lung tissue is achieved without attendant plural heating sufficient to cause damage to the pleura or a pneumothoraces.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various imaging techniques (in addition to or in lieu of conventional bronchoscopic imaging) can be employed before, during and after a vapor treatment procedure. Real time fluoroscopy can be used to confirm depth of catheter 400 inside a patient's lung as well as confirm position of catheter in a desired airway. In yet another embodiment, real-time CT guided electromagnetic navigational systems, such as the SuperDimension®/Bronchus system can be employed to accurately guide catheters of the present invention to the desired tissues targets, especially to get the catheters close to target tissues that are peripherally located. In one embodiment of the invention, the present invention can be adapted to work through a working channel of a locatable guide or guide catheter of the SuperDimension CT navigational system.

A medical kit for vapor heating of one or more target lung tissues comprises: a packaged, sterile liquid or liquid composition and a vapor delivery catheter. Other embodiments of said medical kits can comprise instructions of use, syringes, and the like.

The invention has been discussed in terms of certain embodiments. One of skill in the art, however, will recognize that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Moreover, while certain features may be shown or discussed in relation to a particular embodiment, such individual features may be used on the various other embodiments of the invention. In addition, while not provided, other energy modalities can be employed for volumetric heating of target lung tissue and its understood that in conjunction with or instead of vapor, such as modalities such as RF, laser, microwave, cryogenic fluid, a resistive heating source, ultrasound and other energy delivery mechanisms can be employed for heating a target lung volume.

Claims

1. A patient lung therapy system comprising: a water vapor generator adapted to generate water vapor at a vapor pressure of 5-100 psig from a location external to a patient;a vapor delivery catheter having a proximal end adapted to communicate with the water vapor generator and a distal end adapted to be inserted through a working channel of a bronchoscope and placed within a lumen of the patient's lung, the vapor delivery catheter having an outer diameter of 0.05 inches to 0.16 inches; anda vapor supply line communicating with the vapor generator and the catheter, a priming circuit communicating with the vapor supply line and a flow controller adapted to direct water vapor from the vapor supply line into the priming circuit and into the catheter.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the catheter further comprises a vapor exit port and an occlusion balloon disposed proximal to the vapor exit port.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the catheter further comprises a balloon inflation lumen and a vapor delivery lumen.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the vapor delivery lumen is concentric with the balloon inflation lumen.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the water vapor generator is further adapted to deliver water vapor at an energy delivery rate of 5-1500 cal/sec.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the flow controller comprises a control valve.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the priming circuit comprises a vapor collection unit.

8. A patient lung therapy system comprising: a water vapor generator and a vapor delivery catheter adapted to generate and deliver water vapor to the patient's lung at an energy delivery rate of 5-1500 cal/sec from a location external to a patient;the vapor delivery catheter having a proximal end adapted to communicate with the water vapor generator and a distal end adapted to be placed within a lumen of the patient's lung; anda vapor supply line communicating with the vapor generator and the catheter, a priming circuit communicating with the vapor supply line and a flow controller adapted to direct water vapor from the vapor supply line into the priming circuit and into the catheter.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the distal end of catheter is adapted to be placed within the lumen through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the catheter further comprises a vapor exit port and an occlusion balloon disposed proximal to the vapor exit port.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the catheter further comprises a balloon inflation lumen and a vapor delivery lumen.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the vapor delivery lumen is concentric with the balloon inflation lumen.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the flow controller comprises a control valve.

14. The system of claim 8 wherein the priming circuit comprises a vapor collection unit.

15. A patient lung therapy system comprising: a water vapor generator adapted to generate vapor from a location external to a patient;a vapor supply line communicating at a proximal end with the vapor generator;a priming circuit comprising a priming line branching from the vapor supply line distal to the proximal end of the vapor supply line and communicating with a priming vapor outlet;a vapor delivery catheter having a proximal end adapted to communicate with the vapor supply line and a distal end adapted to be placed within a lumen of the patient's lung, the vapor delivery catheter comprising a vapor port at the distal end; anda flow controller comprising a control valve having an inlet communicating with the vapor supply line, a first outlet communicating with the priming line and a second outlet communicating with the catheter.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the flow controller comprises a control valve.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the priming circuit comprises a vapor collection unit.