A lung-assist apparatus includes a tubular housing, a tubular nozzle
therein, and a first valve disposed between the housing and nozzle. The
housing is implanted across a bifurcation such that the nozzle extends
from a first branch communicating with a healthy region of a lung towards
a main passage, and terminates proximate a lateral opening in the housing
that is disposed within a second branch communicating with a damaged
region of the lung. During inhalation, the first valve opens to allow air
flow into the first branch, and closes during exhalation to force air
through the nozzle, thereby inducing a vacuum for drawing air from the
damaged region. A second valve in the second branch opens during
exhalation to draw air from the diseased region, and closes during
inhalation to prevent air from being drawn into the damaged region.
