Method and Apparatus for Fractional Light-based Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for achieving beneficial effects in a target tissue for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the apparatus comprising:
- an optical pattern generator including at least one of a scanner and an optical splitter, the optical pattern generator for directing an optical beam to generate an irradiation pattern at a target tissue, the target tissue including one or more of the uvula, soft palate and tongue, the irradiation pattern creating a plurality of microscopic treatment zones separated by untreated target tissue, wherein the pattern is defined at least in part by one or more of the scanner and the optical splitter; and
a probe for maintaining an optical channel within the human body for delivering the optical beam to the target tissue.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are described that uses fractional light based treatment to shrink soft tissue in the mouth or throat to reduce obstruction of the airways for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. A light delivery probe with scanning optics can be used to deliver treatment. Cooling systems can be added to reduce damage to epithelial layers of tissue. Light based treatment can be nonablative or ablative and is preferably performed with a laser.
171 Citations
34 Claims
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1. An apparatus for achieving beneficial effects in a target tissue for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the apparatus comprising:
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an optical pattern generator including at least one of a scanner and an optical splitter, the optical pattern generator for directing an optical beam to generate an irradiation pattern at a target tissue, the target tissue including one or more of the uvula, soft palate and tongue, the irradiation pattern creating a plurality of microscopic treatment zones separated by untreated target tissue, wherein the pattern is defined at least in part by one or more of the scanner and the optical splitter; and
a probe for maintaining an optical channel within the human body for delivering the optical beam to the target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the method comprising:
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generating an optical beam;
directing the optical beam to generate an irradiation pattern at a target tissue that contributes to a condition of obstructive sleep apnea, the irradiation pattern creating a plurality of microscopic treatment zones separated by untreated target tissue;
maintaining an optical channel within the human body; and
delivering the optical beam to the target tissue via the optical channel. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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Specification