| CPC A61M 16/022 (2017.08) [A61M 16/202 (2014.02); A61M 16/0009 (2014.02)] | 22 Claims |
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1. A method of using pressure to recruit lung regions of a patient, the method comprising administering, during each of one or more breath cycles:
during an inspiratory phase, providing a period of positive inspiration pressure extended to pressurize de-recruited lung regions via collateral airways;
during an expiratory phase, providing a reduction from the positive inspiration pressure down to a non-negative undershoot pressure, allowing pressure in pressurized de-recruited lung regions to mobilize mucous along main branch airways of the lung; and
providing an elevation of pressure from the undershoot pressure to a positive expiratory pressure, before lung volume reaches a breath cycle minimum; wherein:
within a first one or more administrations during said one or more breath cycles, the positive expiratory pressure is followed by initiation of a next inspiratory phase without suction; and
within a second one or more administrations during said one or more breath cycles following the first one or more administrations, the positive expiratory pressure is followed by a period of suction before the next inspiratory phase.
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