Devices and methods for treating lung diseases

Abstract

Pulmonary treatment methods and systems. During pulmonary treatment breath cycles, a hold period of elevated inspiration pressure may promote lung region filling (and potentially recruitment) via collateral airways. Expectoration is promoted by dropping from the inspiration pressure to an undershoot pressure; de-recruitment (e.g., by airway collapse) is mitigated by raising the undershoot pressure to a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) during expiration phase. Breath cycles with a period of post-PEP suction may also be administered. Respiratory therapy systems may be programmed or re-programmed to administer this pressure protocol. In some embodiments, a system includes a hand-held unit including a patient mouthpiece, a base unit which provides pressurized gas to the mouthpiece, an electronically controllable valve in the hand-held unit for providing therapy maneuvers such as PEP (Positive Expiratory Pressure) through the mouthpiece, and a computing unit which instructs the hand-held unit to perform therapy maneuvers.