Method and apparatus for controlled breathing employing internal and external electrodes

摘要

The invention relates to apparatus for inducing humans to breathe and comprises a first internal electrode having a contact which is disposed in the lower portion of the esophagus, and second and third external electrodes which are placed over the left and right sides of the chest on the pectoral muscles in the area of the nipples above the rib cage. An electrical circuit is connected to the electrodes and imposes a pulsed charge between the internal and external electrodes which stimulates the muscles of the diaphragm causing the patient's lungs to expand, which is the same as taking a breath. The pulsed charges will be at the rate of approximately 10 to 18 pulses per minute. With a pulse rate of 12 per minute each pulse increases from zero to maximum in approximately two seconds, followed by a drop to zero with a dwell period of approximately three seconds. The pulse is limited to approximately 100 milliamperes and a selected variable voltage of up to 50 volts.