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: 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: Systems and methods for enhancing circulation are described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a method for enhancing circulation. The method comprises attaching at least one compression device to at least a portion of a person's lower extremity. The person's chest is repetitively compressed so that the chest experiences a compression phase and a recoil phase or decompression. Also, the person's lower extremity is compressed using the compression device during at least some of the recoil phases.

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 device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for modulating a person's autonomic function comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being 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, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.

Abstract: A device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a physiological monitoring device which is configured to record signals that reflect blood flow and/or blood pressure, and which may also record ECG signals. In one embodiment, a portable monitoring device comprises a plurality of impedance electrodes configured to be coupled to a patient's body and to generate an AC current with an electrical field to detect local electrical impedance of a portion of the patient's body encompassed by the electrical field, the local electrical impedance being a surrogate measure of local blood flow of the portion of the patient's body. At least a portion of the portable monitoring device is configured to be insertable subcutaneously into the patient's body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a physiological monitoring device which is configured to record signals that reflect blood flow and/or blood pressure, and which may also record ECG signals. In one embodiment, a portable monitoring device comprises a plurality of impedance electrodes configured to be coupled to a patient's body and to generate an AC current with an electrical field to detect local electrical impedance of a portion of the patient's body encompassed by the electrical field, the local electrical impedance being a surrogate measure of local blood flow of the portion of the patient's body. At least a portion of the portable monitoring device is configured to be insertable subcutaneously into the patient's body.

Abstract: A device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.

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

Abstract: A device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.

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.