The devices and methods of placement of such devices disclosed herein are
directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration
cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices produce and maintain
collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen
depleted/carbon dioxide rich air is able to pass directly out of the lung
tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the
blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The medical kits
disclosed herein are also directed to produce and maintain collateral
openings through airway walls.