Device and method for biasing and stimulating respiration

Abstract

A device and method is provided for biasing lung volume by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve at a low level.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . A method of treating a breathing disorder comprising:
 activating at least a portion of the diaphragm of a subject to normalize flow in an upper airway prior to onset of a disordered breathing event.   
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the step of activating at least a portion of a diaphragm comprises activating the diaphragm during non-REM sleep. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the step of activating at least a portion of a diaphragm comprises
 activating the diaphragm during sleep transition.   
   
   
       30 . A method of providing electrical stimulation to activate a diaphragm in a manner that avoids airway closure comprising:
 providing electrical stimulation to increase tidal volume by increasing inspiration duration while maintaining peak flow at a level that avoids upper airway closure.   
   
   
       31 . A method of treating a breathing disorder comprising:
 activating at least a portion of a diaphragm of a subject to normalize tidal volume prior to onset of a disordered breathing event wherein the step of activating the diaphragm of a subject to normalize tidal volume comprises stimulating to increase an inspiration duration and tidal volume while maintaining peak flow approximately at or below an intrinsic peak flow to avoid airway closure.   
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the step of activating at least a portion of a diaphragm comprises activating the diaphragm during non-REM sleep. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the step of activating at least a portion of a diaphragm comprises activating the diaphragm during sleep transition.