APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING BREATHING
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Citations
78 Claims
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1-4. -4. (canceled)
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7-26. -26. (canceled)
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29-30. -30. (canceled)
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32-58. -58. (canceled)
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59. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) a sensor suitable for detecting when a subject is exhaling; and
(b) a device adapted to deliver an electrical stimulus to at least some of the subject'"'"'s muscles of expiration during at least part of the expiratory phase of the subject'"'"'s breathing in response to a signal generated by said sensor, wherein the stimulus is effective to cause or increase contraction of said muscle(s) during at least part of the expiratory phase of the subject'"'"'s breathing. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 27, 28, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 68, 72, 73, 74, 78)
- (a) a sensor suitable for detecting when a subject is exhaling; and
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66-67. -67. (canceled)
- 69. An abdominal muscle stimulating belt comprising a respiratory effort sensor.
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75-77. -77. (canceled)
Specification