Muscle stimulating device and method for diagnosing and treating a breathing disorder
US6770022B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2/006
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the diagnosis and relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. A sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is accomplished by measuring the subject's compliance in the presence and absence of the magnetic stimulation of the upper airway muscles. The smaller the difference between these two compliance levels, the more likely that patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.