Patent ID: 8567399

Claim:
A ventilation apparatus comprising (a) a ventilator adapted to (i) provide a pulse of gas to the patient during inspiration by a patient, wherein the pulse has a first volume; and (ii) provide pulses of gas to a patient after detection of a cessation of breathing or reduction in breathing volume of the patient, wherein the pulses each have a second volume and wherein (1) the pulses are provided at a rate that is 1-5 times the normal breathing rate, (2) the second volume is 25-500% greater than the first volume, or (3) the pulses are provided at a rate that is 1-5 times the normal breathing rate and the second volume is 25-500% greater than the first volume; (b) a gas delivery circuit operably connected to the ventilator; (c) one or more respiratory sensor adapted to determine when the patient inspires, to calculate a normal breathing volume for the patient, to detect a cessation of breathing or reduction in breathing volume of the patient; and (d) a respiratory relief device, wherein the respiratory relief device is configured to allow the patient to exhale to atmosphere; (e) a pressure transducer to measure the pressure in the lungs, to detect overpressure in the lungs, or both; and wherein the respiratory relief device comprises an active valve.