| 摘要 |
<p>A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal disorders provides electrical stimulation to the pharyngeal region of a patient. Oropharyngeal disorders may cause an inability to swallow or difficulty in swallowing. The method and device provide an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders which is substantially more effective than traditional treatment methods, such as thermal stimulation. The method and device also effectively treat worst-case dysphagia (the inability to swallow) resulting form neurodegeneration and strokes. The device, an electrical pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulator, includes one or more pulse generators for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generators for controlling their operation. A switching network is also coupled to the pulse generators. The switching network directs series of electrical pulses respectively generated by the pulse generators to an electrode array positioned on the tissue of a patient's pharyngeal region. The processor controls the switching operation of the switching network by determining which electrode in the electrode array receives the series of pulses generated by the respective pulse generators. The electrode array also generates electrical feedback signals in response to the neuromuscular stimulation of the patient. The electrical feedback signals are provided to the processor via the switching network. The processor generates and stores test data and modifies the operation control signals and switching control signals in response to the electrical feedback signals.</p> |
