Microstimulator treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for treating snoring by implanting a stimulating electrode into a patient. The electrode is placed in stimulating contact with an airway passage-controlling muscle of the patient. The electrode is energized to contract the muscle and alter the airway passage.
155 Citations
65 Claims
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1-12. -12. (canceled)
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13. A method of treating snoring comprising:
- a) monitoring the airway passage of a patient during sleep to identify at least one anatomical structure in the airway passage that vibrates during snoring;
b) implanting at least one microstimulator in the proximity of the at least one anatomical structure identified in step a);
c) energizing the microstimulator to deliver an electrical stimulation to the anatomical structure to cause at least one muscle to contract and reduce the vibrations of the airway passage. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
- a) monitoring the airway passage of a patient during sleep to identify at least one anatomical structure in the airway passage that vibrates during snoring;
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35. The method of treating snoring comprising:
- a) implanting a microstimulator within at least one of the soft palate or the uvula; and
b) activating the microstimulator to deliver an electrical stimulation to at least one of the soft palate or the uvula to cause at least one muscle to contract. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 57)
- a) implanting a microstimulator within at least one of the soft palate or the uvula; and
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52. The method of implanting a microstimulator into the genioglossus muscle comprising:
- a) inserting a distal tip of an insertion tool through the epidermis under the mandible b) passing the distal tip of the insertion tool through the geniohyoid muscle;
c) inserting the distal tip of the insertion tool into the genioglossus muscle;
d) depositing the microstimulator in the genioglossus muscle; and
e) removing the insertion tool from the body. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54)
- a) inserting a distal tip of an insertion tool through the epidermis under the mandible b) passing the distal tip of the insertion tool through the geniohyoid muscle;
- 55. The method treating snoring in a patient comprising alternately stimulating at least a first and second muscle in the oropharynx to contract so that an airway passage remain substantially free of vibrating soft tissue during sleep.
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56. The method treating snoring in a patient comprising alternately stimulating at least a first and second muscle in the oropharynx to contract so that an airway passage remains substantially free of vibrating soft tissue during sleep, and selecting a pattern of stimulation such that while the first muscle is being contracted the second muscle may have a period of relaxation, and while the second muscle is being contracted, the first muscle may have a period of relaxation.
Specification