Method and system for treating sleep apnea
First Claim
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea in a patient having an implanted stimulator, said method comprising:
- generating a signal externally to the patient when an apnea condition exists or is likely to exist;
wherein said signal causes the stimulator to stimulate a muscle or nerve to alleviate the apnea.
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Abstract
Systems and apparatus for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprise an external generator and an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator includes an electrode which is placed in a target muscle or nerve which when stimulated will alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. The generator produces a radiofrequency or microwave signal which is broadcast to an antenna within the implanted stimulator. The implanted stimulator produces a stimulatory output, preferably without any other energy source.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea in a patient having an implanted stimulator, said method comprising:
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generating a signal externally to the patient when an apnea condition exists or is likely to exist;
wherein said signal causes the stimulator to stimulate a muscle or nerve to alleviate the apnea. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 34, 35)
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- 20. A method as in claim 20, wherein the external antenna is connected to a power source to boost the retransmitted signal.
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23. A method as in claim 22, wherein the signal paces the right atrium
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24. A method for treating sleep apnea in a patient, said method comprising:
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implanting a stimulator which is adapted to receive an externally generated signal and to produce a stimulatory pulse in response to the signal; and
electrically connecting the implanted stimulator to a muscle or nerve so that the stimulatory pulse will stimulate the muscle or nerve to alleviate the apnea.
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25. A system for treating sleep apnea in a patient, said system comprising:
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an implantable stimulator having an electrode for connection to a muscle or a nerve; and
an external generator which broadcasts a signal which is received by the implantable stimulator to produce energy to stimulate a muscle or nerve to alleviate the sleep apnea. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification