Servo muscle control

• US 5,300,094 A
• Filed: 03/19/1992
• Issued: 04/05/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Lee, Brian B., Kallok, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHAETZLE, KENNEDY
• Application Number:
  US07/854,542
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 PG, 128/419 D, 128/419 G, 128/419 R, 128/421, 128/422
• US Class Current: 607/42
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3601 of respiratory organs

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for controlling one or more parameters of an electrical stimulation generator in response to measured results of the stimulation. In the preferred mode, this technique is employed in a system for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sensors are used to determine the effectiveness of the stimulation. Amplitude and pulse width are modified in response to the measurements from the sensors.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a. a pulse generator for generating a sequence of stimulation pulses at a pulse frequency;

b. an electrode for electrically coupling said sequence of stimulation pulses from said pulse generator to a muscle to be stimulated;

c. a pressure sensor means for monitoring tension of said muscle in response to said sequence of stimulation pulses; and

d. means coupled to said pulse generator and said pressure sensor for adjusting said pulse frequency of said generator in response to said monitoring by said pressure sensor.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said adjusting means further comprises means for changing amplitude of said sequence of stimulation pulses.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said pressure sensor is adapted to measure pressure differential.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pressure sensor is adapted to measure pressure differential.