System for sensing, diagnosing and treating physiological conditions and methods

Abstract

One method for diagnosing a cardiovascular-related condition in a breathing person comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway. The valve system is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure. Further, at least one physiological parameter is measured both prior to and while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameters are evaluated to confirm the initial diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . A method for assessing a person's physical condition, the method comprising:
 measuring at least one physiological parameter of a person while the person is normally breathing with an unobstructed airway to produce a baseline value for the physiological parameter;   interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event;   measuring the physiological parameter while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system to produce an evaluation value for the physiological parameter, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure; and   comparing the baseline value with the evaluation value to provide a suggested treatment regimen for the person.   
   
   
       23 . A method as in  claim 22 , further comprising performing the comparison of the measured physiological parameters using a computer. 
   
   
       24 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the valve system is incorporated into a facial mask, and further comprising coupling the facial mask to the person's face. 
   
   
       25 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the valve system include a pressure responsive inflow valve, and further comprising setting an actuating pressure of the valve to be in the range from about 0 cm H 2 0 to about −50 cm H 2 0. 
   
   
       26 . A method as in  claim 22 , further comprising increasing or decreasing the actuating pressure over time, and re-measuring the physiological parameter. 
   
   
       27 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the valve system is further configured to prevent or decrease exhaled gases from exiting the person's lungs during at least a portion of an exhalation, and further comprising measuring the physiological parameter following an exhalation. 
   
   
       28 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the physiological parameter is measured by an imaging or mapping technique. 
   
   
       29 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the imaging or mapping technique is selected from a group consisting of ECG, echo-imaging of the heart, imaging of radio-labeled markers in the blood, MRI imaging, CT imaging and imaging of markers for cardiac ischemic. 
   
   
       30 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the measured physiological parameter is selected from a group consisting of blood pressure, expired CO 2 , heart rate, air flow and pressure through the airway and lungs, oxygen saturation, blood levels of O 2 , blood lactate, blood pH, tissue lactate, tissue pH and body temperature. 
   
   
       31 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the measured physiological parameter comprises one or more markers of cardiac ischemia. 
   
   
       32 . A method as in  claim 22 , further comprising introducing a substance into the person to stress the person's heart. 
   
   
       33 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the substance comprises a volume load of saline solution that is injected into the person's blood stream. 
   
   
       34 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the substance comprises nitroglycerine that is injected into the person to lower the person's blood pressure. 
   
   
       35 . A method as in  claim 22 , wherein the substance comprises a drug that is injected into the person and is selected from a group of drugs consisting of adenosine, adrenaline and dobutamine.