UPPER AIRWAY STIMULATOR SYSTEMS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

摘要

An upper airway stimulator for treating obstructive sleep apnea is described. In some embodiments, the upper airway stimulator monitors the phase difference between ribcage expansion and abdomen expansion to detect apneic events and stimulates to alleviate those events. In some embodiments, the upper airway stimulator applies primary stimulation when an apneic event is not detected and secondary stimulation when an apneic event is detected. In some embodiments, the upper airway stimulator applies primary stimulation when the patient is not in an apneic position and secondary stimulation when the patient is in an apneic position.

主权项

1. A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a patient comprising:
a body position sensor configured to generate a body position signal; a stimulator configured to deliver stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle; and a controller coupled to the body position sensor and the stimulator; wherein the controller is configured to receive the body position signal from the body position sensor; wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the patient is in an apneic position based on the body position signal; wherein the controller is configured to cause the stimulator to apply primary simulation to the nerve if the patient is not in an apneic position; and wherein the controller is configured to cause the stimulator to apply secondary stimulation to the nerve upon determining that the patient is in an apneic position.