MX2007013980A - Method and system to control respiration by means of neuro-electrical coded signals. - Google Patents

Abstract

A method to record, store and transmit waveform signals to control respiration generally comprising capturing waveform signals that are generated in a subjecta????s body and are operative in the control of respiration and transmitting at least a first waveform signal to the body that is recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BREATHING BY MEANS OF CODIFIED NEUROELECTRIC SIGNALS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application is a continuation in part of the E.U. No. 10 / 847,738, filed on May 17, 2004, which claims the benefit of the Provisional Application of E.U. No. 60 / 471,104, filed May 16, 2003. FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention relates in general to medical methods and systems for regulating and controlling respiration. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for controlling respiration by means of coded neuroelectric signals. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is well known in the art, the brain modulates (or controls) respiration through electrical signals (? .e., Potential action or waveform signals), which are transmitted through the system nervous. The nervous system includes two components: the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which generally comprises groups of nerve cells (? .e., Neurons) and peripheral nerves residing outside the body. brain and spinal cord. The two systems are anatomically separated, but functionally interconnected.

As indicated, the peripheral nervous system is constructed of nerve cells (or neurons) and qliales cells (or glia), which support neurons. The operative units of neurons that carry signals from the brain are referred to as "efferent" nerves. The "afferent" nerves are those that carry sensory or status information to the brain. As is known in the art, a typical neuron includes four morphologically defined regions: (i) cell body, (n) dendrites, (m) axon and (iv) presmaptic terminals. The cell body (soma) is the metabolic center of the cell. The cell body contains the nucleus, which stores the genes of the cell, and the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum that synthesizes the proteins of the cell. The cell body typically includes two types of excrescences (or processes); the dendrites and the axon. Most neurons have several dendrites; these branch out in the manner of a tree and serve as the main apparatus for receiving signals from other nerve cells. The axon is the main conductive unit of the neuron. The axon is capable of transporting electrical signals over distances ranging from as short as 0.1 mm to as long as 2 m. Many axons are divided into several ramifications, thus transporting the information to different objectives. Near the end of the axon, the axon divides into thin branches that make contact with other neurons. The point of contact is referred to as a synapse. The cell that transmits a signal is called the presympatic cell, and the cell that receives the signal is referred to as the postsmaptic cell. The specialized bulges in the branches of the axon (? .e., Presmaptic terminals) serve as the site of transmission in the presynaptic cell. Most axons end up near the dendrites of a postsynaptic neuron. However, communication can also occur in the cell body or, less frequently, in the initial segment or the terminal portion of the axon of the postsmaptic cell. Many nerves and muscles are involved in breathing or efficient breathing. The most important muscle dedicated to breathing is the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a sheet-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. With normal tidal breathing the diaphragm moves approximately 1 cm. However, in forced breathing, the diaphragm can move up to 10 cm. The left and right phrenic nerves activate the movement of the diaphragm The contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm accounts for a change of 75% in volume in the chest during normal calm breathing. Contraction of the diaphragm occurs during inspiration. The expiration occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and retreats to its resting position. All movements of the diaphragm and related muscles and structures are controlled by electrical signals encoded that travel from the brain. Details of the respiratory system and related muscle structures are detailed in Co-pending Application No. 10/847, 738, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The main nerves involved in breathing are the ninth and tenth cranial nerves, the phrenic nerve and the intercostal nerves. The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) innervates the carotid body and detects the levels of C02 in the blood. The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) provides a sensory input from the larynx, pharynx and thoracic viscera, including the bronchi. The phrenic nerve arises from the spinal nerves C3, C4 and C5 and innervates the diaphragm. The intercostal nerves arise from the spinal nerves T7-11 and innervate the intercostal muscles.

The various afferent sensory neurofibers provide information about how the body should breathe in response to events outside the body. An important respiratory control is activated by means of the vagus nerve and its preganglionic nerve fibers, which smaps in the ganglia. The ganglia are contained in the bronchi that are also innervated with sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. It is well documented that division of the sympathetic nerve may have no effect on the bronchi or may dilate the lumen (internal diameter) to allow more air to enter during respiration, which is helpful for asthmatic patients, while the The parasympathetic process offers the opposite effect and can constrict the bronchi and increase secretions, which can be harmful for asthmatic patients. The electrical signals transmitted along the axon to control respiration, referred to as action potentials, are fast and transient nerve impulses "all-or-none". The action potentials typically have an amplitude of approximately 100 millivolts (mV) and a duration of approximately 1 msec.The action potentials are conducted along the axon without failure or distortion, at rates in the range of approximately 1-100 meters / sec.The amplitude of the action potential it remains constant along the axon, since the impulse regenerates continuously as it passes through the axon. A "neuroseñal" is a composite signal that includes many action potentials. The neuroseñal also includes a set of instructions for the proper function of the organ. A respiratory neuroseñal would, therefore, include a set of instructions for the diaphragm to perform efficient ventilation, including information regarding frequency, initial muscular tension, degree (or depth) of muscular movement, etc. The neuroseñales or "encoded neuroelectric signals" are, therefore, codes that contain complete sets of information for a complete function of the organ. As detailed in Co-pending Application No. [Attorney's Minute No. SCM-02-009CIP], filed in May 9, 2005, once these neuroseñales, incorporated in the "waveform signals" referred to herein, have been isolated, registered, standardized and transmitted to a subject (or patient), an instruction generated in a way can be used. of wave-specific for the nerve (ie, waveform signal (s)) to control respiration, and, thus, treat a multitude of disorders of the respiratory system. The disorders noted include, but are not limited to, sleep apnea, asthma, excessive mucus production, acute bronchitis and emphysema.

As is known in the art, sleep apnea is defined in gene al as a temporary cessation Xe breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the recurrent occlusion of the upper airways of the respiratory system during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles to start breathing during sleep. Those affected with sleep apnea experience fragmentation of sleep and complete or almost complete cessation of breathing (or ventilation) during sleep with potentially severe degrees of oxyhemoglobin desaturation. Studies of the mechanism of airway collapse suggest that during some stages of sleep there is a general relaxation of the muscles that stabilize the segment of the upper airway. It is believed that this general relaxation of the muscles is a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Various apparatuses, systems and methods have been developed that include an apparatus or stage for recording action potentials or electrical coded neuroseyes, for the control of respiration and the treatment of respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea. The signals, however, are typically subjected to extensive processing and are subsequently employed to regulate a "mechanical" device or system, such as a fan. Illustrative are the systems described in US Patents. Mos. 6,360,740 and 6,651,652. In the U.S. Patent No. 6,360,740, a system and method for providing respiratory assistance is described. The method noted includes the step of recording the "breathing signals" generated in the respiratory center of a patient. The "breathing signals" are processed and used to control a muscle stimulation device or a ventilator. In the U.S. Patent No. 6,651,652, a system and method for treating sleep apnea is described. The annotated system includes a respiration detector adapted to capture neuroelectric signals and extract the signal components related to respiration. The signals are processed in a similar way and used to control a fan. A major disadvantage associated with the systems and methods described in the annotated patents, as well as most of the known systems, is that the generated and transmitted control signals are "user-determined" and "device determinants". The "control signals" noted, therefore, do not relate to or represent the signals generated in the body and, therefore, would not be operative in the control or modulation of the respiratory system if transmitted to it. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and system for controlling respiration that includes means for recording encoded waveform signals (? .e, encoded electrical neuroseyses) generated in the body, means for storing signals in the form of collected waveforms, and means for providing and transmitting waveform signals to the body that substantially correspond to the recorded waveform signals and are operative in the control of the respiratory system. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, which overcomes the disadvantages associated with the methods and systems of the prior art for the control of respiration. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, including means for recording waveform signals generated in the body and operative in the control of respiration. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, including means for generating respiratory signals that correspond substantially to coded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of the respiratory system 10. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, including processing means adapted to generate a baseline respiratory signal representative of at least one encoded waveform signal generated in the body from registered waveform signals. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, including processing means adapted to compare registered waveform respiratory signals with baseline respiratory signals and to generate a respiratory signal as a function of the respiratory signal. registered waveform. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, which includes monitoring means for detecting respiratory abnormalities. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, which includes a detector for detecting whether a subject experiences a apneic event. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, including means for transmitting waveform signals to the body, which correspond substantially to coded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of the respiratory system. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, which includes means for transmitting signals directly to the nervous system in the body, which correspond substantially to coded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of the respiratory system. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for controlling respiration, which can be easily employed in the treatment of disorders of the respiratory system, including sleep apnea, asthma, excessive mucus production, acute bronchitis and emphysema. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the above objectives and those that will be mentioned and made apparent below, the method for controlling respiration comprises in general (i) capturing encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body of a subject and are operative in the control of respiration and (n) transmitting at least one first waveform signal to the body, recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the first signal The waveform includes at least one second waveform signal which -nr responds substantially to at least one of the waveform signals captured and is operative in the control of the respiratory system. In one embodiment of the invention, the first waveform signal is transmitted to the subject's nervous system. In another embodiment, the first waveform signal is transmitted close to a target area in the neck, head or thorax. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration comprises in general (i) capturing encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of respiration and (ii) storing the signals of form waveforms captured in a storage medium, the storage medium being adapted to store the components of the captured waveform signals according to the function performed by the waveform signal components, and (iii) transmitting to the minus a first waveform signal to the body, which corresponds substantially to at least one of the captured waveform signals and is operative in the control of the respiratory system. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration generally comprises (i) capturing a first plurality of waveform signals generated in the body of a first subject that are operative in the control of respiration, (ii) generating a baseline wave waveform signal from the first plurality of waveform signals, (iii) capturing a second waveform signal generated in the body of the first subject that is operative in the control of respiration, (iv) comparing the waveform signal of baseline with the second waveform signal, (v) generating a third waveform signal based on the comparison of the baseline and second waveform signals, and (iv) transmitting the third waveform signal close to the body of the subject, the third signal being of operative wave in the control of respiration. In one embodiment of the invention, the first plurality of waveform signals is captured from a plurality of subjects. Preferably, the third waveform signal is transmitted to the nervous system of said subject. In an alternative embodiment, the third waveform signal is transmitted close to a target area in the neck, head or chest. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration in a subject comprises in general (i) capturing encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of respiration, (11) monitor the sLit us of the subject's breathing and provide at least one status signal of the respiratory system in response to an abnormal function of the breathing system orio, (m) store the signals in the form of captured wave and status signals of the respiratory system in a storage medium, and (iv) transmitting at least one first waveform signal to the body, which is operative in the control of the respiratory system in response to a status signal of respiration or component of a captured waveform signal indicative of a respiratory problem or a respiratory abnormality. In yet another embodiment, the method for controlling respiration generally comprises (i) capturing a first plurality of encoded waveform signals generated in the body of a first subject, which are operative in the control of respiration, (n) capture at least one first waveform signal from the subject's body, which produces an adverse respiratory event, (ni) generate a confusing signal that is operative to mitigate adverse breathing events, and (iv) transmit the confusing signal in a manner of wave to the body of the subject to mitigate the adverse respiratory event. Preferably, the annotated waveform signals are transmitted to the nervous system of said subject.

In an alternative embodiment, waveform signals are transmitted close to a target area in the neck, head or chest. The system for controlling respiration according to an embodiment of the invention comprises in general (i) at least one first signal probe adapted to capture encoded waveform signals from the body of a subject, the waveform signals being representative of waveform signals generated naturally in the body, and operative in the control of respiration, (n) a processor in communication with the signal probe and adapted to receive waveform signals, the processor being adapted furthermore to generate at least one first waveform signal based on the captured waveform signals, the first waveform signal being recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal, and (m) at least one second signal probe adapted to be in communication with the body of the subject to transmit the first waveform signal to the body to control breathing. Preferably, the processor includes a storage means adapted to store the captured waveform signals. In one embodiment, the processor is adapted to extract and store components of the signals of waveform captured in the storage medium according to the function of the component is signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Additional characteristics and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which the similar characters referred refer generally to the same parts or elements along the views, and in which: Figures 1A and IB are illustrations of waveform signals captured from the body, which are operative in the control of the respiratory system; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a respiratory control system, according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a respiratory control system, according to the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of yet another embodiment of a respiratory control system, according to the invention; Figures 5A and 5B are illustrations of waveform signals that have been generated by the means of process of the invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a respiratory control system that can be employed in the treatment of sleep apnea, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatuses, systems, structures or methods since such, of course, may vary. Accordingly, although a number of apparatuses, systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, preferred materials and methods are described herein. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is solely for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning commonly understood by that of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. In addition, all publications, patents and Patent applications cited herein, whether supra or mfra, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, as used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Accordingly, for example, the reference to "a waveform signal" includes two or more such signals; the reference to a "respiratory disorder" includes two or more such disorders and the like. Definitions The term "nervous system", as used herein, means and includes the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, marrow, pons, cerebellum, midbrain, diencephalon and cerebral hemisphere, and the peripheral nervous system, including the neurons and glia. The terms "waveform" and "waveform signal", as used herein, mean and include a composite electrical signal that is generated in the body and transported by neurons in the body, including neurocodes, neuroseyes and components and segments thereof. The term "breathing," as used in the present, means the process of breathing.

The term "respiratory system", as used herein, means and includes, without limitation, the organs subordinated to the function of respiration, lightening the diaphragm, lungs, nose, throat, trachea and bronchi, and the associated nervous system. with them. The term "target zone," as used herein, means and includes, without limitation, a region of the body proximate to a portion of the nervous system, in which the application of electrical signals can induce the desired neural control without the application Direct (or driving) signals to a target nerve. The terms "patient" and "subject", as used herein, mean and include humans and animals. The term "plexus", as used herein, means and includes a branching or entanglement of nerve fibers outside the central nervous system. The term "ganglion," as used herein, means and includes a group or groups of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system. The term "sleep apnea," as used herein, means and includes the temporary cessation of breathing or a reduction in the rate of respiration. The terms "respiratory system disorder", "respiratory disorder" and "adverse respiratory event", as used herein, mean and include any dysfunction of the respiratory system that impedes the normal process of respiration. Such dysfunction can be caused by a multitude of known factors and events including damage and rupture of the spinal cord. The present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and setbacks associated with methods and systems of the prior art for controlling respiration. In one embodiment of the invention, the system for controlling respiration generally comprises means for recording (or capturing) coded or waveform neurobecome signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of respiration, means for storing registered waveform signals, means for generating at least one signal that substantially corresponds to at least one registered waveform signal and that is operative in breath control, and means for transmitting the signal to the body of the subject. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the signal is transmitted to the nervous system of the subject. As indicated, the neuroelectric signals related to breathing originate in the respiratory center of the medulla oblongata. These signals can be captured or collected from the respiratory center or throughout of the nerves that carry the signals to the respiratory musculature. The phrenic nerve, however, has proven to be particularly suitable for capturing the annotated signals. Methods and systems for capturing the encoded signals of the phrenic nerve (s), and for storing, processing and transmitting neuroelectric signals (or coded waveform signals), are described in the Co-pending Application No. 10 / 000,005 filed on November 20, 2002 and on Application No. _ [Attorney's Minute No. SCM-02-009CIP], filed on May 9, 2005, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety . Referring first to Figures IA and IB, exemplary waveform signals are shown that are operative in the efferent operation of the human (and animal) diaphragm; Figure 3 shows three (3) signals 10A, 10B, 10C, having rest periods 12A, 12B between them, and Figure IB shows an extended view of the signal 10B. The annotated signals pass through the phrenic nerve, which runs between the cervical spine and the diaphragm. As will be appreciated from that of ordinary skill in the art, signals 10A, 10B, 10C will vary as a function of various factors, such as physical exercise, reaction to changes in the environment, etc. as will also be appreciated from the experience in the art, the presence, shape and number of pulses of the signal segment 14 can vary similarly from the signal-to-signal of the muscle (or group of muscles). As defined above, the annotated signals include coded information related to inspiration, such as frequency, initial muscle tension, degree (or depth) of muscle movement, etc. According to one embodiment of the invention, the neuroelectric signals generated in the body that are operative in the control of respiration, such as the signals shown in Figures IA and IB, are captured and transmitted to a processor or control module . Preferably, the control module includes storage means adapted to store the captured signals. In a preferred embodiment, the control module is further adapted to store the components of the captured signals (which are extracted by means of the processor) in the storage medium according to the function performed by the signal components. In accordance with the invention, the stored signals may be subsequently used to establish baseline signals of respiration. The module can then be programmed to compare "abnormal" breath signals (and their components) captured from a subject and, as discussed below, generate a waveform signal or modified baseline signal for transmission to the patient. subject. Such modification may include, for example, an increase in the amplitude of a respiratory signal, increase in the rate of signals, etc. According to the invention, the captured neuroelectric signals are processed by known means and the control module generates a waveform signal (? .e, encoded neuroelectric signal) which is representative of at least one captured neuroelectric signal and is operative in the control of respiration (? .e., recognized by the brain or the respiratory system co or a signal of modulation). The annotated waveform signal is similarly stored in the storage medium of the control module. To control respiration, the waveform signal generated from the storage medium is accessed and transmitted to the subject through a transmitter (or probe). According to the invention, the applied voltage of the waveform signal can be up to 20 volts to allow voltage loss during signal transmission. Preferably, the current is maintained at less than 2 amps of output. The direct conduction in the nerves through electrodes directly connected to such nerves, preferably has outputs less than 3 volts and a current less than one tenth of an ampere.

Now, with reference to Figure 2, a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a respiratory control system 20A of the invention is shown. As shown in Figure 2, the control system 20a includes a control module 22, which is adapted to receive encoded neuroelectric signals or "waveform signals" from a signal detector (shown in phantom and designated 21) which is in communication with a subject, and at least one treatment member 24. The treatment member 24 is adapted to communicate with the body and receives the waveform signal from the control module 22. According to the invention, the treatment member 24 may comprise an electrode, antenna, seismic transducer, or any other suitable form of conduction attachment for transmitting respiratory signals that regulate or operate respiratory function in humans or animals. Necessary space between. The treatment member 24 can be attached to the appropriate nerves or respiratory organ (s) through a surgical procedure. Such surgery, for example, may be accompanied with the "lock" entry in a stereo-thoracic scope procedure. If necessary, a more expansive thoracotomy procedure may be employed for a more appropriate placement of the treatment member 24. In addition, if necessary, the treatment member 24 can be inserted into a body cavity, such as the nose or the mouth, can be placed to pierce the nose or other membranes, whereby the member 24 is c-1"-a in close proximity to the oblong medulla and /. The waveform signals of the invention can then be sent to the nerves that are in close proximity to the brain root.As illustrated in Figure 2, the control module 22 and the treatment member 24 can be completely separate elements, which allows the system 20A to be operated remotely In accordance with the invention, the control module 22 can be unique,? .e., designed for a specific operation and / or subject, or can comprise a conventional device Now, with reference to Figure 3, a further embodiment of a control system 20B of the invention is shown As illustrated in Figure 3, system 20B is similar to system 20A shown in Figure 2. However, in this modality, the control module 22 and treatment member 24 are connected. Now, with reference to Figure 4, still another embodiment of a control system 20C of the invention is shown. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control system 20C similarly includes a control module 22 and a treatment member 24. The system 20C also includes less a signal detector 21. The system 20C also includes a processing module (or compiler) 26. According to the invention, the processing module 26 can be a separate component or can be a sub-system of a module. 22 'control, as shown in phantom. As indicated above, the processing module (or control module) preferably includes storage means adapted to store the captured respiratory signals. In a preferred embodiment, the processing module 26 is further adapted to extract and store the components of the respiratory signals captured in the storage medium, according to the function performed by the signal components. According to the invention, in one embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration in a subject includes the following steps: capturing the encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body of a subject and are operative in the control of respiration and (ii) transmitting at least one first waveform signal to the body, which is recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the first waveform signal includes at least one second signal of form wave that corresponds substantially to at least one of the waveform signals captured and is operative in the control of the respiratory system. In one embodiment of the invention, the first waveform signal is transmitted to the subject's nervous system.

In another embodiment, the first waveform signal is transmitted close to a target area in the neck, head or thorax. According to the invention, the waveform signals can be adjusted (or modulated), if necessary, prior to transmission to the subject. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration generally comprises (i) capturing encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of respiration and (n) storing the captured waveform signals in a storage medium, the storage medium being adapted to store the components of the captured waveform signals according to the function performed by the signal components, and ( m) transmitting at least one first waveform signal to the body, which corresponds substantially to at least one of the captured waveform signals and is operative in the control of the respiratory system. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration generally comprises (i) cturing a first plurality of waveform signals generated in the body of a first subject that are operative in the control of respiration, (11) generating a basal-line breathing waveform signal from the first plurality of waveform signals, (m) capturing a second waveform signal generated in the body of the first subject that is operative in the breath control, (v) compare the baseline waveform signal with the second waveform signal, (v) generate a third waveform signal based on the comparison of the line signals basal and second waveform; and (iv) transmitting the third waveform signal to the body, the third waveform signal being operative in the control of respiration. In one embodiment of the invention, the first plurality of waveform signals is captured from a plurality of subjects. In one embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting the waveform signal to the body of the subject is achieved by conduction or direct transmission through non-fractured skin in an appropriate selected area of the neck, head or thorax. Such a zone will approach a position close to the nerve or plexus of the nerve on which the signal will be imposed.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting the waveform signal to the body of the subject is achieved by direct conduction through the union of an electrode to the nerve receiver or plexus of the nerve. This requires a surgical intervention to physically attach the electrode to the selected target nerve. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting a waveform signal to the body of the subject is achieved by transposing the waveform signal in a seismic form. The seismic signal is then sent to a region of the head, neck or thorax in a way that allows the appropriate "nerve" to receive it and obey the encoded instructions of the seismic signal. Now, with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, respiratory signals 190, 191 are shown which are generated by the apparatus and methods of the invention. The annotated signals are merely representative of the respiratory signals that may be generated by the apparatus and methods of the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Now, with reference to Figure 5A, the exemplary phrenic waveform signal 190 is shown showing only the positive half of the transmitted signal. The signal 190 comprises only two segments, the initial segment 192 and the tip segment 193.

Referring now to Figure 5B, the exemplary signal of the phrenic waveform 191 which has been fully modulated at 500 Hz is shown. The signal 191 includes the same two segments, the initial segment 194 and the tip segment 195. Consistent With the invention, the control of respiration, in some cases, may require the sending of waveform signals on one or more nerves, including up to five nerves simultaneously, to control respiration control rates and the depth of the inhalation. For example, correction of asthma or other respiratory disease or injury involves the rhythmic operation of the diaphragm and / or intercostal muscles to inspire and expire air for oxygen extraction and the expulsion of waste gaseous compounds, such as dioxide. carbon. As is known in the art, the opening (dilation) of the bronchial tubular network allows the exchange of a greater volume of air and the processing of its oxygen content within the lungs. The dilation process can be controlled by the transmission of the waveform signals of the invention. The bronchi can also be closed to restrict the passage of air volume in the lungs. A balance of the control nerves for dilation and / or constriction can thus be achieved by the methods and apparatus of the invention.

Also, the production of mucus, if it is? In this way, it can form mucoid obstructions that restrict the flow of air volume through the bronchi. As is known in the art, the lung does not produce mucus except "in the lumen of the bronchi and also in the trachea.The production of annotated mucus, however, can be increased or decreased by the transmission of the waveform signals of The invention The annotated transmission of the waveform signals can therefore balance the quality and quantity of the mucus The present invention therefore provides methods and apparatus for the effective control of breathing rates and resistance , together with the dilation of the bronchial tube and the mucous action in the bronchi, generating and transmitting waveform signals encoded to the body, such capacity to open the bronchi will be useful for the emergency treatment of acute bronchitis or damage by inhalation of smoke They can also be directed to chronic obstructive airway disorders, such as emphysema.The treatment of acute damage by fire or inhalation The methods and apparatus of the invention can also be improved by using mechanical respiratory support. Mucosal secretions mediated by damage also lead to obstruction of the airways and are refractory to emergency treatment, placing a life-threatening risk. The edema (swelling) within the trachea or bronchial tubes tends to limit the size of the internal diameter and cause the depletion of oxygen. The ability to open the size of the internal diameter is essential or at least desirable during the treatment. In addition, the effort to breathe in patients with pneumonia can be facilitated by the modulated activation of the phrenic nerve through the methods and apparatuses of the invention. The treatment of numerous other conditions that threaten life is also resolved by a well-functioning respiratory system. Accordingly, the invention provides the physician with a method for opening the bronchial tubes and for fine-tuning the respiration rate to improve the oxygenation of the patients. This method of electronic treatment (in one modality) encompasses the transmission of waveform signals of activation or suppression on selected nerves to improve breathing. According to the invention, such treatments could be improved by the administration of oxygen and the use of respiratory drugs, which are currently available. The methods and apparatus of the invention can also be effectively employed in the treatment of apnea of the obstructive sleep (or central sleep apnea) and other respiratory ailments. Now, with reference to Figure 6, a modality of a respiratory control system 30 that can be used in the treatment of sleep apnea is shown. As illustrated in Figure 6, the system 30 includes at least one breathing detector 32 adapted to monitor the breathing status of a subject and to transmit at least one signal indicative of respiratory status. According to the invention, the status of respiration (and, therefore, a sleep disorder) can be determined by a multitude of factors, including the movement of the diaphragm, the respiration rate, the levels of 02 and / or C02 in blood, muscle tension in the neck, air passage (or lack thereof) in the air passages of the throat or lungs,? .e., ventilation. Accordingly, several detectors may be employed within the scope of the invention to detect the factors noted and, thus, the establishment of a respiratory disorder. The system 30 further includes a processor 36, which is adapted to receive status signal (s) of the respiratory system from the respiratory detector 32. The processor 36 is further adapted to receive waveform signals recorded by a signal probe respiratory (shown in phantom and designated 34).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the processor 36 includes storage means for storing the captured encoded waveform signals and status signals of the respiratory system. The processor 36 is further adapted to extract the components of the waveform signals and to store the signal components in the storage medium. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 36 is programmed to detect respiratory system status signals indicative of respiratory abnormalities and / or waveform signal components indicative of damage to the respiratory system and to generate at least one signal in the form of wave that is operative in the control of breathing. Now, with reference to Figure 6, the waveform signal is directed to a transmitter 38 that is adapted to be in communication with the body of the subject. The transmitter 28 is adapted to transmit the waveform signal to the body of the subject (in a manner similar to that described above) to control, and preferably, to remedy the respiratory abnormality detected. According to the invention, the waveform signal is preferably transmitted to the phrenic nerve to make contact with the diaphragm, to the hypoglossal nerve to constrict the muscles of the throat and / or the vagus nerve to maintain normal patterns in the brain wave. A single waveform signal or a plurality of signals may be transmitted in conjunction with each other. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the method for controlling respiration in a subject generally comprises (i) capturing encoded waveform signals that are generated in the body and are operative in the control of breathing, (11) monitor the status of the subject's breathing and provide at least a status signal of the respiratory system in response to an abnormal function of the respiratory system, (m) ) store the captured waveform signals and the status signals of the respiratory system in a storage medium, and (iv) transmit at least a first waveform signal to the body, which is operative in the control of the respiratory system in response to a breath status signal or component of a captured waveform signal indicative of a respiratory problem or respiratory abnormality ia. In yet another embodiment, the method for controlling respiration generally comprises (i) capturing a first plurality of encoded waveform signals generated in the body of a first subject, which are operative in the control of respiration, (n) capture at least one first waveform signal from the subject's body, which produces a adverse respiratory event, (m) generate a confusing signal that is operative to mitigate adverse breathing events, and (v) transmit the confusing waveform signal to the subject's body to mitigate the adverse respiratory event. Without departing from the essence and scope of this invention, that of ordinary experience can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various uses and conditions. As such, it is intended that these changes and modifications be found appropriately, and equally within the total range of equivalence of the following claims.

Claims (39)

1. CLAIMS 1. The use of a plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to generate at least a first waveform signal recognizable by the respiratory system of the subject used to control breathing in said subject in need. thereof, wherein said waveform signals are operative in the control of the regulation; wherein said waveform signals are operative in the control of respiration; and wherein said first waveform signal is transmitted to the body of the subject.
2. 2. The use of claim 1, wherein said first waveform signal is transmitted to the subject's nervous system.
3. 3. The use of claim 1, wherein the subject comprises a human.
4. 4. The use of claim 1, wherein the subject comprises an animal.
5. 5. The use of a plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to generate at least one first waveform signal, said first waveform signal including at least one second waveform signal used for breath control in a subject in need thereof, wherein said waveform signals are operative in the control of regulation; wherein said at least said first waveform signal is transmitted to said body of the subject and wherein said second waveform signal substantially corresponds to at least one of said captured waveform signals and is operative in the regulation of said waveform signal. Respiratory system of the subject. The use of claim 5, wherein said first waveform signal is transmitted to the subject's nervous system. The use of claim 5, wherein said subject comprises a human. 8. The use of claim 5, wherein said subject comprises an animal. 9. The use of a plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to extract the components of the captured waveform signals, store said captured waveform signals and said signal components in a medium of storage and generating a first waveform signal based on said captured waveform signal, used to control respiration in said subject in need of the same, wherein said on-line signaling are operative in the control of the regulation; wherein said first waveform signal is transmitted to the body of said subject, and wherein said first waveform signal includes at least one second waveform signal substantially corresponding to at least one of said signal-shaped signals. captured wave and is operative in the cont rol of respiration. 10. The use of claim 9, wherein said first waveform signal is transmitted to said nervous system's SLT. 11. The use of a first plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to generate a basal-line breathing waveform signal from said first waveform signals and the use of a second plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of said subject to compare said baseline signal waveform signal to said second waveform signal and generate a third waveform signal based thereon comparison of said baseline respiration and said second waveform signals, used for the control of respiration in said subject in need of same, wherein said first plurality of waveform signals include first waveform signals that are operative in the control of respiration; wherein said second plurality of waveform signals include at least one second waveform signal that is operative in breath control; and wherein transmitting said third waveform signal to said body of the first subject, said third waveform signal is operative in the control of respiration. The use of claim 11, wherein said step of capturing said waveform signals comprises capturing said first plurality of waveform signals from a plurality of subjects. The use of claim 11, wherein said third waveform corresponds substantially to said second waveform signal. The use of claim 11, wherein said third waveform substantially corresponds to said basal-line respiration waveform signal. The use of claim 11, wherein said third waveform signal is transmitted to the nervous system of said subject. 16. The use of claim 11, wherein said Subject understood a human. 17. The use of claim 11, wherein said subject comprises an animal. 18. The use of a first plurality of waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to store said first waveform signals in a first location in a storage medium and generate a waveform signal of respiration of baseline from said first waveform signals, and the use of a second plurality of waveform signals generated in the body of said subject to store said second waveform signal at a second location in said medium storage, comparing said baseline signal waveform signal to said second waveform signal and generating a third waveform signal based on said comparison of said baseline and second waveform signaling signals , used for the control of respiration in said subject in need thereof, wherein said first plurality of waveform signals include first signals s waveforms that are operative in the control of respiration; wherein said second plurality of waveform signals include at least one second waveform signal that is operative in breath control; Y wherein said third waveform signal is transmitted to said body of the first subject, said third waveform signal being in control of breathing. The use of claim 18, wherein said step of capturing said waveform signals comprises capturing said first plurality of waveform signals from a plurality of subjects. The use of claim 18, wherein said third waveform signal is transmitted to the nervous system of said subject. The use of claim 18, wherein said subject comprises a human. 22. The use of claim 18, wherein said subject comprises an animal. 23. The use of at least one status signal of the respiratory system indicative of the status of the respiratory system of the subject and the use of a first plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of a subject to store said status signal of respiratory system and said first waveform signals in a first location in a storage medium and generate a second waveform signal based on said first waveform signals, used to control breathing in said subject in need of the same. wherein said first plurality of waveform signals including first shaped signals d < - Wave, are operative in the control of breathing; and wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to said subject in response to said status signal of the respiratory system, said second waveform signal being operative in the control of respiration. 24. The use of claim 23, wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to the nervous system of said subject. 25. The use of claim 23, wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to a target area in said subject, said target area of the neck, head and thorax being selected. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein said subject comprises a human. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein said subject comprises an animal. 28. The use of at least one status signal of the respiratory system indicative of the status of the respiratory system of the subject and the use of a first plurality of captured waveform signals generated in the body of said subject, including said first plurality of signals waveform first waveform signals that are operative in the control of breathing, to extract the components of the waveform signal of said first waveform signals, store said status signal of the respiratory systemsaid first waveform signals and said waveform signal components in a storage means and generating a second waveform signal based on said first waveform signals used to control respiration of said subject with need thereof. wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to said subject in response to said status signal of the respiratory system, said second waveform signal being operative in the control of respiration. 29. The use of claim 28, wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to said subject in response to at least one of said waveform signal components. 30. The use of claim 28, wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to the nervous system of said subject. 31. The use of claim 28, wherein said second waveform signal is transmitted to a target area in said subject, said target area being selected from the neck, head and thorax. 32. The use of claim 28, wherein said subject comprises a human. 33. The use of claim 28, wherein said subject comprises an animal. 34. A system for controlling respiration, comprising: at least a first signal probe adapted to capture waveform signals from the body of a subject, said waveform signals being representative of waveform signals generated from a natural way in said body, and operative in the control of breathing, a processor in communication with said signal probe and adapted to receive said waveform signals, said processor being further adapted to generate at least a first signal in the form of wave based on said captured waveform signals, said first waveform signal being recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal; and at least one second signal probe adapted to be in communication with the body of said subject to transmit said first waveform signal to the body of said subject to regulate the control of respiration. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein said processor includes a storage means adapted to store said captured waveform signals. 36. The system of claim 34, wherein said second signal probe is adapted to transmit said first waveform signal directly to said subject by direct conduction to the nervous system of the subject. 37. A system for controlling respiration, comprising: a respiratory system detector adapted to monitor the status of a subject's respiratory system and transmit at least a first sign of the status of the respiratory system indicative of the status of the subject's respiratory system; at least one first signal probe adapted to capture waveform signals from the body of a subject, said waveform signals being representative of waveform signals generated naturally in said body, and operative in the control of the breathing; a processor in communication with said signal probe and adapted to receive said status signal of the respiratory system and said waveform signals, said processor being further adapted to generate at least a first waveform signal based on said signals of captured waveform, said first waveform signal being recognizable by the system respiratory as a signal of modulation; and at least one second signal probe adapted to be in communication with the body of said subject to transmit said first waveform signal to the body of said subject to control respiration. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein said processor includes a storage means adapted to store said captured waveform signals. 39. The system of claim 37, wherein said second signal probe is adapted to transmit said first waveform signal directly to said subject by direct conduction to the nervous system of the subject.