Methods, systems, and kits for lung volume reduction

A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising:

• isolating a lung tissue segment;
• determining a disease-related parameter within the isolated segment;
• aspirating the isolated segment to cause collapse if it is determined that the segment is diseased.

A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising:

• isolating a lung tissue segment;
• aspirating the isolated segment to cause the segment to collapse, wherein the segment is collapsed to a volume which is no greater than 40% of the inflated size prior to aspiration.

A system for performing intraluminal lung volume reduction, said kit comprising:

• an isolation/access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an occlusion element near the distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough;
• and
• a reagent capable of being introduced to the lung through the isolation/access catheter lumen, wherein said reagent will clear or widen air passages within the lung.

A system for performing intraluminal lung volume reduction, said kit comprising:

• an isolation/access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an occlusion element near the distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough;
• and
• a probe which can be percutaneously introduced into a pleural region over the lung, said probe being capable of applying external pressure to the lung.