| 摘要 |
2105075 9215364 PCTABS00016 An intra-oral, sublingual electrode device (10) for the electrical stimulation of a genioglossus muscle to maintain the patency of an upper airway in the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome is disclosed as having a plurality of electrodes (12, 14) mounted to a support (22) that is securable within an oral cavity to maintain optimally effective electrode disposition. The support (22) is temporarily and conveniently securable, for example, to a patient's lower teeth. The support (22) includes a plurality of electrode support members (22, 26), each supporting and electrically insulating an electrode (12, 14). Electrical conductors (18, 20) connected to the electrodes are routed through portions of the device (10) to enhance the latter's stability, to protect the conductors (18, 20) and to position the conductors (18, 20) for comfortable egress from the patient's mouth. Various means for fastening the assembly in place and for urging the electrodes (12, 14) into comfortable and effective contact are also disclosed, as are various methods of electrical muscle stimulation.
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