METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING
First Claim
1. A device for the treatment of sleep apnea or snoring in a human patient, comprising:
- at least one stimulator for direct electrical stimulation of a throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient, the at least one electrode being constructed and arranged to be positioned at the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient; and
a power source for providing a continuous electrical signal to the at least one stimulator so that the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient are contracted to open the airway of the patient.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring in a human patient includes at least one electrode stimulator for providing direct electrical stimulation to a throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient. The stimulator is constructed and arranged to be positioned at the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient, either on the surface or subcutaneously. A power source provides a continuous electrical signal to the stimulator so that the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient are contracted to open the airway of the patient. The power source can be a portable source remote from the electrode or a pacemaker unit also implanted in the patient.
117 Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A device for the treatment of sleep apnea or snoring in a human patient, comprising:
-
at least one stimulator for direct electrical stimulation of a throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient, the at least one electrode being constructed and arranged to be positioned at the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient; and
a power source for providing a continuous electrical signal to the at least one stimulator so that the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient are contracted to open the airway of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for treating sleep apnea or snoring in a human patient, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning at least one stimulator for providing direct electrical stimulation at the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient;
providing a continuous electrical signal to said at least one stimulator so that the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient are contracted to open the airway of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
Specification