Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 236,455, filed Sep. 6, 2002 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Moving and / or Restraining Tissue in the Upper Respiratory System”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 441,639, filed Jan. 22, 2003 and entitled “Magnetic Splint Device and Method for the Treatment of Upper Airway Collapse in Obstructive Sleep Apnea;” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 456,164, filed Mar. 20, 2003 and entitled “Device and Method for Treatment of Sleep Related Breathing Disorders Including Snoring and Sleep Apnea,” which are each incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing including obstructive sleep apnea. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. The Characteristics of Sleep Apnea [0003] First described in 1965, sleep apnea is a breathing disorder c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] Another aspect of the invention provides an implant system comprising a ferromagnetic material sized and configured for implanting in one of a soft tissue region defining a portion of a pharyngeal conduit, a soft tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall, and combinations thereof. The system further comprises a source of magnetic force sized and configured for implanting in one of a tongue, an epiglottis, a soft palate / uvula, in another soft tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall, in an opposite lateral pharyngeal wall, and combinations thereof, to repel the ferromagnetic material and resist collapse of the soft tissue region.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention provides an implant device comprising at least two discrete sources of magnetism. A flexible polymer matrix carries the discrete sources of magnetism in a spaced apart relationship. The polymer matrix allows flexure between the sources of magnetism. The implant device can be used to treat sleep disordered breathing.

Problems solved by technology

Sleep apnea is a common but serious, potentially life-threatening condition, affecting as many as 18 million Americans.

When the muscles of the upper airway relax and sag, the relaxed tissues may vibrate as air flows past the tissues during breathing, resulting in snoring.

In more serious cases, the airway becomes blocked, making breathing labored and noisy, or even stopping it altogether.

Lack of air intake into the lungs results in lower levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

The frequent interruptions of deep, restorative sleep often lead to early morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, irritability, and learning and memory difficulties.

There are potentially damaging effects to the heart and blood vessels due to abrupt compensatory swings in blood pressure.

Upon each event, the sleeping person will be partially aroused from sleep, resulting in a greatly reduced quality of sleep and associated daytime fatigue.

Although some apneic events are normal in all humans, the frequency of blockages will determine the seriousness of the disease and opportunity for health damage.

The upper airway, therefore, has the greatest potential for collapse and closure at end-expiration.

It can be cumbersome to wear and travel with, difficult to accept on a social level, and not tolerated by many (for reasons such as claustrophobia, facial and nasal mask pressure sores, airway irritation).

These factors have lead to a relatively poor long-term compliance rate.

Freedman's proposal does not address the lateral pharyngeal wall or the placement of arrays of magnets affecting larger areas of the pharyngeal conduit.

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