Kinesthetic system for promoting rhythmic breathing by tactile stimulation
OwnerLinda G. Russekinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A desired pattern, such as a desired breathing pattern for a respiratory ventilator, is encouraged by the operation of a kinesthetic device, preferably by a kinesthetic device which emulates human touch.
Claims16
A method of encouraging a desired breathing pattern, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a respiratory ventilator;
- connecting a patient to said respiratory ventilator;
- locating a kinesthetic device adjacent to said patient, the kinesthetic device being worn by the patient.
- cyclically operating said respiratory ventilator according to said desired breathing pattern;
- and
- cyclically operating said kinesthetic device to provide a non-driving cyclical tactile stroking stimulation to the patient in synchronization with said respiratory ventilator and thereby encouraging said patient to breath in accordance with said desired breathing pattern, the stroking stimulation emulating human touch.
The method of claim 2, wherein said step of locating said kinesthetic device adjacent to said patient includes the step of placing a pad in contact with the skin of said patient, said pad capable of becoming contoured in order to remain in contact with the skin of said patient and wherein said step of operating said kinesthetic device includes the step of transmitting movement across said pad in synchronization with said respiratory ventilator.
A system for encouraging a desired breathing pattern, said system comprising:
- a respiratory ventilator for respirating a patient according to the desired breathing pattern;
- a kinesthetic device capable of being worn by the patient having a means for providing the patient with a non-driving cyclical tactile stroking sensation, the stroking sensation emulating human touch;
- and
- means for cyclically operating said kinesthetic device in synchronization with said respiratory ventilator so as to encourage the patient to breath in accordance with the desired breathing pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.