Muscle stimulating device and method for diagnosing and treating a breathing disorder
First Claim
1. A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
- implanting a passive probe into target tissue within such a patient, wherein the target tissue corresponds to a location in such a patient where applying an electrical stimulation to such a patient serves to stabilize an upper airway of such a patient without assistance of an implanted device that mechanically suspends tissues associated with the upper airway;
providing a magnetic field to the passive probe, wherein the passive probe alters a characteristic of the magnetic field to enhance a stimulation of the target tissue of such a patient by the magnetic field, andcontrolling delivery of the magnetic field to the passive via an external controller located outside such a patient.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. A passive probed is provided in the patient to focus the magnetic field produced by the coil.
134 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
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implanting a passive probe into target tissue within such a patient, wherein the target tissue corresponds to a location in such a patient where applying an electrical stimulation to such a patient serves to stabilize an upper airway of such a patient without assistance of an implanted device that mechanically suspends tissues associated with the upper airway; providing a magnetic field to the passive probe, wherein the passive probe alters a characteristic of the magnetic field to enhance a stimulation of the target tissue of such a patient by the magnetic field, and controlling delivery of the magnetic field to the passive via an external controller located outside such a patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
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a first passive probe adapted to be positioned within a first target tissue of a patient, wherein the first target tissue corresponds to a location in such a patient where applying an electrical stimulation to such a patient serves to stabilize an upper airway of such a patient without assistance of an implanted device that mechanically suspends of tissues associated with the upper airway; and an external controller adapted to produce a magnetic field for delivery to the first passive probe, and where the passive probe is configured and arranged to alter a characteristic of the magnetic field to enhance a stimulation of the target tissue by the magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification