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 for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In one exemplary method, a patient's chest is actively compressed during a compression phase. At least some of the respiratory muscles are stimulated to contract during a decompression phase to cause an increase in the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during the decompression phase. In this way, the amount of venous blood flow into the heart and lungs is enhanced.

Abstract: Exemplary devices and methods for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In one exemplary method, a patient's chest is actively compressed during a compression phase. The diaphragm is then stimulated to contract during a recovery phase to cause an increase in the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during the recovery phase. In this way, the amount of venous blood flow into the heart and lungs is enhanced.

Abstract: Provided are exemplary devices and methods for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In one exemplary method, a patient's chest is actively compressed during a compression phase. At least some of the respiratory muscles are stimulated to contract during a decompression phase to cause an increase in the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during the decompression phase. In this way, the amount of venous blood flow into the heart and lungs is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for ventilating a patient in association with cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. In one exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a ventilator to periodically supply respiratory gases to a patient's lungs. A sensor is provided to detect chest compressions by sensing changes in intrathoracic pressure. A controller is coupled to the sensor and controls actuation of the ventilator after a predetermined number of chest compressions have been detected by the sensor.

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. The ventilation tube contains either a flow restrictive orifice disposed within or connected in series with a lumen of the ventilation tube, or a pressure-responsive valve within a lumen of the tube to impede the inflow of air.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for treating a patient suffering from heart failure. According to one exemplary method, a facial mask is sealed around the patient's mouth and nose, with the mask including a one-way expiration valve and an inspiratory threshold valve. The threshold valve is biased to open when a threshold pressure within the mask is in the range from about -3 cm H.sub.2 O to about -25 cm H.sub.2 O. With this arrangement, the patient breathes while the mask is sealed to the face, with the respiratory gasses being prevented from entering the patient's lungs during inhalation until the patient produces a pressure within the mask that is within the range from about -3 cm H.sub.2 O to about -25 cm H.sub.2 O. At this point, the inspiratory valve opens to allow respiratory gasses into the lungs.