Neural stimulator to treat sleep disordered breathing

US7797050B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Imad Libbus · Okabena, US
• Anthony V. Caparso · San Jose, US
• M. Jason Brooke · Elkton, US
• Jonathan Kwok · Denville, US
• Kent Lee · Shoreview, US
• Yachuan Pu · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/3611
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various aspects relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments include at least one sensor for use in detecting sleep disordered breathing, a pulse generator adapted to deliver a first electrical signal through at least one electrode to stimulate a neural target, and a controller adapted to communicate with the at least one sensor and with the pulse generator. The controller is adapted to detect sleep disordered breathing using the at least one sensor and provide a therapy for sleep disordered breathing in response to a detected apneic event. The therapy for sleep disordered breathing is adapted to deliver the first electrical signal through the at least one electrode to induce a cough reflex to terminate the apneic event. Various embodiments stimulate a superior laryngeal nerve, various embodiments stimulate a recurrent laryngeal nerve, and various embodiments stimulate a vagus nerve. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.