Treating sleep apnea in patients using phrenic nerve stimulation
US7340302B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3601
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An exemplary implantable cardiac device is programmed to administer pacing therapy that treats both congestive heart failure (CHF) and sleep apnea. To treat CHF, the exemplary device delivers pacing pulses of a first voltage level via a lead in the left-sided veins of the heart. During periods of apnea, the device occasionally increases the pulse voltage and delivers one or more phrenic nerve stimulation pulses via the same lead to stimulate the phrenic nerve. This awakens the respiratory system to minimize or prevent episodes of sleep apnea. In an exemplary method, one or more phrenic nerve stimulation pulses are applied in synchronization with the pacing frequency so that the sleep apnea therapy does not disturb the normal cardiac rhythm. Other exemplary devices and methods are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.