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:
contacting a target surface of an oropharyngeal tissue or an underlying tissue in a subject with obstructive sleep apnea with a cooling surface or a cooling fluid; cooling the target surface of the oropharyngeal tissue or the underlying tissue in the subject with obstructive sleep apnea for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue; and reducing a volume of the adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue.