Patent ID: 6029667
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method for treating a patient suffering from heart failure, the method comprising:sealing a facial mask around the patient's mouth and nose, the mask including a one-way expiration valve and an inspiratory threshold valve which 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;the patient breathing while the mask is sealed to the face, wherein respiratory gases are substantially completely prevented from entering the patient's lungs during inhalation until such time as the patient produces a pressure within the mask that is in the range from about -3 cm H.sub.2 O to about -25 cm H.sub.2 O, whereupon the inspiratory valve opens to allow respiratory gases into the lungs; andmechanically altering the negative intrathoracic pressure of the patient.