US 11,911,615 B2
Systems and methods for assessing respiratory function
Kevin K. McCully, Athens, GA (US)
Assigned to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., Athens, GA (US)
Filed by University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., Athens, GA (US)
Filed on Apr. 1, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/220,625.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/003,707, filed on Apr. 1, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0308453 A1, Oct. 7, 2021
Int. Cl. A61N 1/36 (2006.01); A61N 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC A61N 1/3601 (2013.01) [A61N 1/0456 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
17. An assessment system comprising:
an electrical stimulation device configured to generate current, the electrical stimulation device including an electrical current generator that generates current waveforms having a magnitude of approximately 25 to 70 mA and a frequency of approximately 1 to 7 Hz;
stimulation electrodes configured to apply the current generated by the electrical stimulation device to a neck of a subject at a location that results in stimulation of a phrenic nerve of the subject;
a movement sensor configured to sense movement of an upper abdomen of the subject caused by twitching of a diaphragm of the subject responsive to the stimulation of the phrenic nerve; and
a controller configured to receive data sensed by the movement sensor, analyze the received data to evaluate the activity of the diaphragm, and generate an assessment of the subject's respiratory function or phrenic nerve.