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 device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
a. a cooling unit for chilling a cooling fluid; and b. an applicator for receiving the cooling fluid and configured for contact with oropharyngeal tissue, the applicator and cooling unit cooperatively causing cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue to a temperature between approximately 5° C. and approximately −25° C. for approximately one to approximately thirty minutes whereby a volume of adipose tissue in the contacted oropharyngeal tissue is subsequently reduced.