Apparatus and Methods for Assisting Breathing

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of treating a subject comprising: (a) sensing an onset of the subject's expiratory phase of breathing; and (b) delivering a stimulus to the subject's thorax or abdomen during at least part of the expiratory phase of breathing in response to said sensing, said stimulus effective to cause a contraction in the subject's abdominal muscle so as to assist the subject with ventilation, with the proviso that a stimulus is not delivered while the subject is inhaling.