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, the applicator comprising an engagement member configured for contact with oropharyngeal tissue, wherein the engagement member is shaped to be complementary to a target portion of the oropharyngeal tissue, the applicator comprising a recirculation conduit for facilitating heat transfer between the engagement member and the cooling fluid, the applicator and cooling unit being configured to cooperatively cause cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue by placement of the engagement member in contact with a surface of the oropharyngeal tissue, the engagement member being configured to be cooled to a temperature between approximately 5° C. and approximately −25° C. during contact for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue, and thereby reduce a volume of said adipose tissue.