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US 6,463,327 B1Granted
Stimulatory device and methods to electrically stimulate the phrenic nerve
AssigneeCPRx LLC
InventorsKeith G. Lurie, Todd M. Zielinski, Wolfgang Voelckel, Robert Patterson, Nemer Samniah, Scott McKnite, Karl Lindner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are exemplary devices and methods for electrically stimulating the phrenic nerve. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed posterior and anterior in the region of the cervical vertebrae. Electrical current having a multi-phasic waveform is periodically applied to the electrodes to stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby causing the diaphragm to contract.
Claims18
A method for increasing blood flow to the thorax of a patient, the method comprising:
- periodically stimulating the phrenic nerve to cause the diaphragm to contract and thereby cause an increase in the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure;
- and
- periodically occluding airflow to the lungs during contraction of the diaphragm with a valve that is positioned to control airflow into the patient's airway to further increase the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure, thereby forcing more blood into the thorax.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.