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.

Abstract: A method for treating a breathing person suffering from diabetes utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and 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 cardiac output and blood circulation in order to treat the person suffering from diabetes.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

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: A demonstration device comprises a base having a front side, a back side, a respiratory port, a circulation port, a heart port and at least one lung port. The heart port is fluidly connected to the circulation port, and the lung port is fluidly connected to the respiratory port. A compressible member is sealed to the front side of the base to define a chamber over the lung port and the heart port. A lung member is disposed over the lung port, and a heart member is disposed over the heart port. In this way, when the compressible member is compressed and released, the lung member deflates and inflates and the heart member deflates and inflates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a CPR training device comprises a flexible structure which is configured to simulate a human chest, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is disposed within the flexible structure and is configured to sense pressure within the flexible structure. Both positive and negative pressures relative to the ambient or atmospheric pressure can be determined by the pressure sensor.

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 while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameter is evaluated to diagnose a cardiovascular condition.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and 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 cardiac output and blood circulation.

Abstract: A facial mask comprises a mask body that is adapted to be coupled to a patient's face. A valve system is coupled to the mask body to permit the inflow of respiratory gasses into the mask body and to permit the outflow of respiratory gasses from the mask body. A metronome is coupled to the mask body to produce a repeating chest compression signal to facilitate the performance of regular chest compressions when performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The metronome may also produce a ventilation signal to facilitate the proper ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices and methods 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.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Cardiopulmonary circulation is increased according to the invention by impeding airflow into a patient's lungs to enhance the extent and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression of the patient's chest. Enhanced extent and duration of negative of intrathoracic pressure thus promotes venous blood flow into the heart and lungs from the peripheral venous vasculature. In one embodiment, impeding the airflow into the patient's lungs is accomplished by placing a ventilation tube in the patient's airway.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and 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 cardiac output and blood circulation.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices and methods 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.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

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.

Abstract: A method for providing medical treatment to a patient at a location away from a medical facility comprises monitoring at least one physical parameter of a patient that is located away from a medical facility with a monitoring device. The monitored physical parameter is transmitted to a central controller that is located within a medical facility. A control signal is transmitted from the controller to operate a treatment device that is coupled to the patient, with the control signal being selected based at least in part on the monitored physical characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and valves used to alter a person's breathing. In one method, an exit valve is interfaced with a person's airway. The exit valve is configured such that respiratory gases are prevented from exiting the person's lungs when the exit valve is closed and are permitted to exit the person's lungs when the exit valve is opened. The exit valve is configured to open when a valve actuating pressure is met or exceeded. In a further step, the valve actuating pressure is varied over time.