Breathing therapy device and method

A medical device for use in patients comprising:

• a stimulation lead, said lead having at least one stimulation electrode placed adjacent to at least one phrenic nerve of the patient;
• a control unit implanted in the body of the patient, said control unit being electrically connected said stimulation electrode;
• a respiration sensor implanted in the patient, said respiration sensor being in communication with said control unit;
• and
• a control logic incorporated within said control unit, said control logic capable of reading said respiration sensor, analyzing said respiration signal and delivering stimulation pulses to maintain activation of at least a portion of a diaphragm to said stimulation electrode at a time proximate the transition from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase of a respiration, retaining air in at least one lung and preventing exhalation of the retained air for a period of time, and Men after the period of time has lapsed, allowing a delayed exhalation outflow of the retained air.