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Method and apparatus for treating obstructive sleep apnea

  • US 5,522,862 A
  • Filed: 09/21/1994
  • Issued: 06/04/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a patient comprising the steps of:

  • (a) sensing inspiration in the patient;

    (b) applying bursts of electrical stimulation to a muscle of the patient'"'"'s airway in response to sensed inspiration such that said stimulation has an intensity effective to maintain patency of the patient'"'"'s airway during inspiration;

    (c) detecting an arousal event;

    (d) reducing intensity of stimulation following the detection of arousal so that the stimulation is not perceptible to the patient, said reduced intensity maintained for a predetermined period of time after detection of the arousal event; and

    (e) after said predetermined period of time has elapsed, increasing the intensity of stimulation to an intensity effective to maintain patency of the patient'"'"'s airway during inspiration.

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