Systems and methods for modulating autonomic function
AssigneeAdvanced Circulatory Systems, Inc.
InventorKeith G. Lurie
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a method for modulating a person's autonomic function comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.
Claims22
A method for modulating a person's autonomic function, the method comprising:
- interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event;
- permitting the person to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.
A device for modulating a person's autonomic function, the device comprising:
- a housing having an opening that is adapted to be interfaced with the person's airway;
- and
- a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flow through the housing and into the person's lungs due to inhalation, the valve system assisting in manipulating intrathoracic pressures during inhalation to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function;
- wherein the valve system is configured to permit respiratory gases to flow to the person's lungs when the negative intrathoracic pressure reaches a pressure in the range from about −2 cm H2O to about −30 cm H2O in order to modulate the person's autonomic function.
A method for assisting a person in recovering from physical exertion, the method comprising:
- interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event;
- permitting the person to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to improve blood flow to the muscles and brain, and to reduce the person's heart rate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.