Lung assist apparatus and methods for use

An apparatus for implantation at a branch in a lung for assisting exhalation from a region of the lung to be isolated, the branch comprising a main passage, said main passage bifurcating into a first branch communicating with a healthy region of the lung and a second branch communicating with an unhealthy region of the lung to be isolated, the apparatus comprising:

• a tubular support structure implantable within the branch, the support structure comprising a first end, a second end, and a lateral opening in the wall of the support structure between said first and second ends;
• a tubular member comprising an inlet end, an outlet end defining an inner lumen at least partially within the support structure, such that the tubular member being carried by the support structure such that the inlet end is disposed proximate the first end, and the outlet end is disposed proximate the lateral opening, the tubular member defining an outer lumen between its outer surface and the support structure;
• and
• a first valve disposed across the outer lumen, the first valve configured for permitting flow through the outer lumen towards the inlet end of the tubular member, the first valve also configured for limiting flow through the outer lumen towards the outlet end of the tubular member air passing through the inner lumen from the inlet end to the outlet end, will generate a vacuum in the lateral opening.