Devices and methods for assisting breathing in a subject are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a splint that can be used to apply negative distending pressure, i.e., outward pull, to one or both of the chest walls and/or the abdomen of a subject. The splint may include an air bladder that can be attached to the skin of the subject's chest and/or abdomen. When the air bladder is inflated, negative distending pressure is applied to the subject's chest and/or abdomen, thereby assisting or promoting respiration. The inflated air bladder may also apply a compressive force on the chest to facilitate expiration, and the removal of secretions in the airways.

Devices and methods for assisting breathing in a subject are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a splint that can be used to apply negative distending pressure, i.e., outward pull, to one or both of the chest walls and/or the abdomen of a subject. The splint may include an air bladder that can be attached to the skin of the subject's chest and/or abdomen. When the air bladder is inflated, negative distending pressure is applied to the subject's chest and/or abdomen, thereby assisting or promoting respiration. The inflated air bladder may also apply a compressive force on the chest to facilitate expiration, and the removal of secretions in the airways.

A distension/compression device for assisting breathing in a subject according to one embodiment includes a first tube having a flexible and elastic material that forms a first tube lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the first tube. Longitudinal expansion of the first tube is restricted less than radial expansion of the first tube. A connection element including a first air supply port is in fluid communication with an open proximal end of the first tube lumen and attached to a proximal end of the first tube. A method for assisting breathing of a patient and a method for assisting the clearing of secretions is also included.

A distension/compression device for assisting breathing in a subject according to one embodiment includes a first tube having a flexible and elastic material that forms a first tube lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the first tube. Longitudinal expansion of the first tube is restricted less than radial expansion of the first tube. A connection element including a first air supply port is in fluid communication with an open proximal end of the first tube lumen and attached to a proximal end of the first tube. A method for assisting breathing of a patient and a method for assisting the clearing of secretions is also included.

Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein. The system includes an applicator device configured to provide ACD CPR treatment to a patient's chest according to a plurality of phases at least one sensor configured to be coupled to the patient's chest and to measure at least one parameter related to the ACD CPR treatment and information for determining whether at least one transition point of the ACD CPR treatment has been reached; and one or more processors configured to provide a feedback signal based on a parameter for administering ACD CPR treatment to the patient's chest according to a desired treatment protocol.

Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein. The system includes an applicator device configured to provide ACD CPR treatment to a patient's chest according to a plurality of phases at least one sensor configured to be coupled to the patient's chest and to measure at least one parameter related to the ACD CPR treatment and information for determining whether at least one transition point of the ACD CPR treatment has been reached; and one or more processors configured to provide a feedback signal based on a parameter for administering ACD CPR treatment to the patient's chest according to a desired treatment protocol.

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.

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.

This disclosure relates to device for providing continuous negative abdominal pressure (CNAP) which selectively recruits (inflates) the dorsal (spinal region) collapsed areas of the lung, while enabling the patient to remain in the supine (usual) position. The CNAP device includes a rigid frame configured to have a shape and size to envelop a patient's lower chest and abdominal area while in a supine position with the frame having opposed edges which sit on a surface on which the supine patient is resting. A series of panels are mounted in the frame such that the series of panels extend around the patient's lower chest and abdominal area. A flexible sheet wrapped around the outside of the panels and is long enough to extend up to the patient's upper chest and down to the patient's thighs and wide enough to envelop the supine patient's lower chest and abdominal area. Sealing members are to seal the flexible sheet over the frame and panels and around the patient's lower chest and pelvis, wherein a chamber is formed between the patient and said device when the patient is enveloped by the device. An air inlet coupling extends through one of the panels and is attachable to a suction source which is configured to generate negative pressure of between about −5 to about −10 cm H.sub.2O inside the chamber.

This disclosure relates to device for providing continuous negative abdominal pressure (CNAP) which selectively recruits (inflates) the dorsal (spinal region) collapsed areas of the lung, while enabling the patient to remain in the supine (usual) position. The CNAP device includes a rigid frame configured to have a shape and size to envelop a patient's lower chest and abdominal area while in a supine position with the frame having opposed edges which sit on a surface on which the supine patient is resting. A series of panels are mounted in the frame such that the series of panels extend around the patient's lower chest and abdominal area. A flexible sheet wrapped around the outside of the panels and is long enough to extend up to the patient's upper chest and down to the patient's thighs and wide enough to envelop the supine patient's lower chest and abdominal area. Sealing members are to seal the flexible sheet over the frame and panels and around the patient's lower chest and pelvis, wherein a chamber is formed between the patient and said device when the patient is enveloped by the device. An air inlet coupling extends through one of the panels and is attachable to a suction source which is configured to generate negative pressure of between about −5 to about −10 cm H.sub.2O inside the chamber.