Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea using implantable electrodes
US6345202B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37288
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Electrodes are implanted at strategic locations within a patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In a preferred method, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.