Apparatus and methods for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea utilizing cryolysis of adipose tissues

摘要

Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

主权项

1. A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject, the method comprising steps of:
providing a device which comprises:
a. a cooling unit for chilling a cooling fluid; andb. an applicator for receiving the cooling fluid, the applicator comprising an engagement member which is shaped to be complementary to a target surface of oropharyngeal tissue;cooling the engagement member to a temperature between approximately 5° C. and approximately −25° C.; andplacing the engagement member in contact with the target surface of the oropharyngeal tissue in the subject for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue, and thereby reduce a volume of the adipose tissue.