Remote-controlled mandibular positioning device and method of using the device
First Claim
1. A method for determining mandibular displacement effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in a sleeping patient, comprising:
- providing the patient with a remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device;
detecting evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway; and
displacing the sleeping patient'"'"'s mandible while the patient is asleep with a remote unit which sends a signal to a first unit which relays a signal to the remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device until the evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway is reduced below a predetermined value or eliminated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remote-controlled mandibular positioner for conveniently and precisely positioning the mandible during a sleep center or in-hospital study of patients who are candidates for mandibular positioner therapy. The remote-controlled mandibular positioner is used during sleep to perform a therapeutic titration study during full polysomnographic monitoring to determine the mandible position effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. During the titration study, the mandible is advanced by a technician using the remote-controlled mandibular positioner until all apneas and hypopneas are eliminated. The titration study determines whether a mandibular positioner will be effective in treating a particular patient, and if so, the degree of mandibular ventral displacement required for effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for determining mandibular displacement effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in a sleeping patient, comprising:
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providing the patient with a remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device; detecting evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway; and displacing the sleeping patient'"'"'s mandible while the patient is asleep with a remote unit which sends a signal to a first unit which relays a signal to the remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device until the evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway is reduced below a predetermined value or eliminated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for determining mandibular displacement effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in a sleeping patient, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing the patient with a remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device;
(b) detecting evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway;(c) displacing the sleeping patient'"'"'s mandible ventrally while the patient is asleep with a remote unit which sends a signal to a first unit which relays a signal to the remotely-controlled adjustable mandibular displacement device; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until the evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway is reduced below a predetermined value or eliminated. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for determining mandibular displacement effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in a sleeping patient, comprising:
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an adjustable mandibular displacement device; a unit which detects evidence of obstruction of the sleeping patient'"'"'s airway; a remote control system used to displace the adjustable mandibular displacement device while the patient is asleep, the remote control system comprising a first unit which sends signals to protrude the adjustable mandibular displacement device; and a remote unit which sends signals to the first unit to protrude the adjustable mandibular displacement device. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification