Method and apparatus for pressure detecting and treating obstructive airway disorders

摘要

A method for treating upper respiratory obstructions in a patient by electrical stimulation of muscles of the upper airway including surgically implanting a pressure sensor into the patient such that the pressure sensor is capable of providing a signal characteristic of intrathoracic pressure in the patient. The implanted pressure sensor allows the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle to be identified and electrical stimulation to be reliably applied during the inspiration phase.