Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea using electrical nerve stimulation
First Claim
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea, comprising:
- continuously electrically stimulating at least one fascicle of a genioglossus nerve at a predetermined amplitude of about 10% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate a first muscle of a patient up to 1% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate the first muscle of the patient; and
continuously electrically stimulating at least one fascicle of a styloglossus nerve at a predetermined amplitude of about 10% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate a second muscle of a patient up to 1% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate the second muscle of the patient,where the first muscle and the second muscle are functionally opposite muscles.
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Abstract
A method for treating a medical condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea, includes the step of stimulating a nerve, particularly the hypoglossal nerve, using at least one of the following techniques: (a) continuous low-level electrical stimulation; (b) electrical stimulation synchronized with a physical process, such as inspiration, without feedback from the nerve being stimulated; and (c) intermittent electrical stimulation at controlled intervals based on the patient'"'"'s metabolism.
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1 Claim
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea, comprising:
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continuously electrically stimulating at least one fascicle of a genioglossus nerve at a predetermined amplitude of about 10% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate a first muscle of a patient up to 1% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate the first muscle of the patient; and continuously electrically stimulating at least one fascicle of a styloglossus nerve at a predetermined amplitude of about 10% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate a second muscle of a patient up to 1% less than the threshold amplitude necessary to activate the second muscle of the patient, where the first muscle and the second muscle are functionally opposite muscles.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeCase Western Reserve University
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Original AssigneeCase Western Reserve University
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InventorsYoo, Paul Byongsuk, Durand, Dominique M.
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Primary Examiner(s)BOCKELMAN, MARK
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Application NumberUS11/109,338Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,792 DaysField of Search607/42, 607/2, 607/48, 607/26, 600/26US Class Current607/42CPC Class CodesA61B 5/08 Detecting, measuring or rec...A61B 5/4818 Sleep apnoeaA61N 1/3601 of respiratory organs
