초록 ▼

Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suf

Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A device for treating a sleeping patient, the device configured to be removably worn in communication with a patient's respiratory tract, the device removable by the patient and comprising:an opening through the device configured to provide fluid communication between an insid

What is claimed is: 1. A device for treating a sleeping patient, the device configured to be removably worn in communication with a patient's respiratory tract, the device removable by the patient and comprising:an opening through the device configured to provide fluid communication between an inside and an outside of the patient's respiratory tract through the device; a valve member configured to provide a resistance to exhalation through the device that is greater than the resistance to inhalation through the device by occluding the opening during exhalation more than during inhalation while permitting inhalation and exhalation through the device; andan expandable anchor for removably securing the device to the patient.