초록 ▼

Upon the detection of an appropriate apnea event, respirating gas supply apparatus according to various embodiments supply stimulus to the upper airway passages of an in vivo respiratory system in an effort to dislodge any occlusion or obstruction in the upper airway passages. In one embodiment the

Upon the detection of an appropriate apnea event, respirating gas supply apparatus according to various embodiments supply stimulus to the upper airway passages of an in vivo respiratory system in an effort to dislodge any occlusion or obstruction in the upper airway passages. In one embodiment the stimulus applied is a high pressure pulse of gas. In another embodiment an electrical signal is applied to an electromyographic electrode (270) positioned in proximity to a nerve controlling a muscle or organ which may obstruct the upper airway passage.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for sensing negative pressure indicative of an inspiration in an in vivo respiratory system and for supplying gas to said in vivo respiratory system, said apparatus comprising: means for sensing negative pressure in said in vivo system; valve means operable for selectively supplying sai

An apparatus for sensing negative pressure indicative of an inspiration in an in vivo respiratory system and for supplying gas to said in vivo respiratory system, said apparatus comprising: means for sensing negative pressure in said in vivo system; valve means operable for selectively supplying said gas to said in vivo system; control means responsive to said sensing means for operating said valve means so that said gas is supplied to said in vivo system for at least a portion of the time duration of an occurrence of sensed negative pressure; first timer means connected to said sensing means for determining when a first predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last occurrence of negative pressure in said in vivo system; and, means responsive to said first timer means for dislodging an obstruction in an upper airway passage of said in vivo respiratory system by supplying a positive pressure pulse of gas into said in vivo system said pulse being supplied upon the elapse of said first predetermined time interval.