Breathing disorder detection and therapy delivery device and method

Abstract

A device and method are provided for managing the treatment of a patient with respiratory disorders or symptoms. Respiratory parameters are sensed and recorded and communicated to an external device to provide information to a patient and/or provider for further treatment or diagnosis. Also respiratory disorders such as apnea or hypoventilation may be treated by electrically stimulating the diaphragm muscle or phrenic nerve in response to a sensed respiratory parameter or characteristic.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for managing respiration of a patient having a breathing disorder, comprising:
 sensing a respiration activity from a patient's body;   generating an electrical stimulation signal via a control unit in electrical communication with at least one electrode in electrical communication with a diaphragm or phrenic nerve tissue within the patient's body, wherein the control unit is programmed to generate the electrical stimulation signal in response to the respiration activity;   delivering the electrical stimulation signal as a burst or series of pulses through the at least one electrode to the diaphragm or phrenic nerve tissue during inspiration such that a breathing of the patient is adjusted, wherein the electrical stimulation signal is configured to elicit a diaphragm response by stimulating to supplement an inspiration volume of an existing breath;   monitoring the adjusted breathing via the control unit;   comparing the adjusted breathing against an intrinsic respiration level of the patient; and   if needed, adjusting one or more parameters of the electrical stimulation signal to incrementally adjust with each breath until the breathing is further adjusted to reach a desired level.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the control unit is further programmed to deliver the electrical stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to elicit an inspiration rate different from an intrinsic inspiration rate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the control unit is further programmed to deliver the electrical stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to elicit a slow elongated inspiration. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the control unit is further programmed to deliver the electrical stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to elicit a fast, short inspiration. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the control unit is further programmed to deliver the electrical stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to deliver low level sequential stimulations. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the control unit is further programmed to deliver the electrical stimulation signal through the at least one electrode that is directed to manipulating blood gases to treat disordered breathing. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising ceasing the electrical stimulation signal once the breathing has reached the desired level.