Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: A system includes a guidance device that provides feedback to a user to compress a patient's chest at a rate of between about 90 and 110 compressions per minute and at a depth of between about 4.5 centimeters to about 6 centimeters. The system includes a pressure regulation system having a pressure-responsive valve that is configured to be coupled to a patient's airway. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed during successive chest compressions in order to permit removal at least about 200 ml from the lungs in order to lower intracranial pressure to improve survival with favorable neurological function. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed until the negative pressure within the patient's airway reaches about ?7 cm H2O, at which time the pressure-responsive valve is configured to open to provide respiratory gases to flow to the lungs through the pressure-responsive valve.

Abstract: Medical techniques include systems and methods for administering a positive pressure ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure, and a vacuum to a person. Approaches also include treating a person with an intrathoracic pressure regulator so as to modulate or upregulate the autonomic system of the person, and treating a person with a combination of an intrathoracic pressure regulation treatment and an intra-aortic balloon pump treatment.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: Medical techniques include systems and methods for administering a positive pressure ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure, and a vacuum to a person. Approaches also include treating a person with an intrathoracic pressure regulator so as to modulate or upregulate the autonomic system of the person, and treating a person with a combination of an intrathoracic pressure regulation treatment and an intra-aortic balloon pump treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying enhanced guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decreasing intracranial pressure and enhancing circulation in a breathing person, as well as for increasing the respiratory rate and encouraging spontaneous respiration. According to such methods, a valve system is interfaced to a person's airway. The valve system has a threshold valve and an airway member that interfaces with the person's airway. The threshold valve is configured to prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during a portion of an inhalation event until the inspiration equals or exceeds an opening pressure of the threshold valve. Also, a small level of external vacuum is constantly supplied at a juncture between the threshold valve and the airway member.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for administering intrathoracic pressure and cooling treatments to patients suffering from or at risk of developing heart failure, cardiac arrest, sepsis, shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, polytrauma, head disease, elevated hepatic or portal vein pressures, bleeding during abdominal, head and neck surgery, or insufficient circulation during open heart surgery.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation and providing oxygen to a patient in cardiac arrest includes the step of coupling an interface to the patient's airway, the interface providing access to the patient's respiratory system. A valve system is operably attached to the interface. Oxygen is delivered through the interface a rate of between about 1.0 to about 10.0 L/min to provide a continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. While supplying the oxygen, a body structure of the patient is manipulated to increase the magnitude and duration of the patient's negative intrathoracic pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: Medical techniques include systems and methods for administering a positive pressure ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure, and a vacuum to a person. Approaches also include treating a person with an intrathoracic pressure regulator so as to modulate or upregulate the autonomic system of the person, and treating a person with a combination of an intrathoracic pressure regulation treatment and an intra-aortic balloon pump treatment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: One method for diagnosing a cardiovascular-related condition in a breathing person comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway. The valve system is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure. Further, at least one physiological parameter is measured both prior to and while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameters are evaluated to confirm the initial diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition.

Abstract: One method for diagnosing a cardiovascular-related condition in a breathing person comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway. The valve system is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure. Further, at least one physiological parameter is measured both prior to and while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameters are evaluated to confirm the initial diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition.