Patent ID: 8412331
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for treating a breathing disorder in a patient breathing, intrinsically comprising: providing a device comprising a control unit, a sensor and a signal generator, wherein said control unit receives information from said sensor and is programmed to cause said signal generator to generate an electrically stimulating signal to diaphragm and/or phrenic nerve tissue; identifying the phases within an intrinsic breathing cycle of a patient, said phases comprising the inspiration, exhalation, and rest periods of the intrinsic breathing cycle of the patient utilizing said sensor; delivering the electrically stimulating signal during the rest period of the intrinsic respiratory cycle of said patient; and, electrically stimulating the diaphragm or phrenic nerve tissue of the patient by delivering a burst or series of pulses as the electrically stimulating signal at a time of the rest period prior to the expected onset of the next breath when breathing is present, providing therapeutic stimulation such that diaphragm movement of the patient is controlled to thereby inhibit central respiratory drive to prevent the onset or to reduce frequency of a breathing disorder.