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Method and apparatus for synchronized treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

  • US 6,251,126 B1
  • Filed: 10/04/1999
  • Issued: 06/26/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable pulse generator for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, comprising:

  • means for determining when the patient has entered a sleep state;

    means for electrically stimulating a nerve in the upper airway tract of the patient to elicit a contraction by an innervated muscle, the means for electrically stimulating being operative for a pre-determined period of time after the sleep state determining means determines the patient has entered the sleep state;

    means for sensing the respiratory effort of a patient comprising first and second electrodes suitable for placement on opposite sides of the patient'"'"'s diaphragm, the respiratory effort sensing means delivering high frequency current between the electrodes to thereby measure the impedance therebetween; and

    a controller to control the means for electrically stimulating in coordination with the sensed respiratory effort.

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