Stimulatory device and methods to electrically stimulate the phrenic nerve
First Claim
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1. 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.
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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.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for increasing blood flow to the thorax of a patient, the method comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification