System and method for preventing closure of passageways

Abstract

A system for treating sleep-related breathing disorders. In one embodiment, the system includes a first magnetically susceptible material attached to a left lateral pharyngeal wall and a second magnetically susceptible material attached to a right lateral pharyngeal wall. The second magnetically susceptible material is positioned opposite the first magnetically susceptible material across an upper airway. The system further includes a first magnet disposed outside the body and lateral to the first magnetically susceptible material, and a second magnet disposed outside the body and lateral to the second magnetically susceptible material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10 / 679,935, filed Oct. 6, 2003, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 415,995, filed Oct. 4, 2002, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prevention of abnormal breathing sounds (e.g., snoring), adverse consequences, illness or death in persons due to partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] A common and potentially serious disorder in humans involves involuntary closure of the airway during sleep. This disorder is known as “sleep-disordered breathing” or “obstructive sleep apnea” (OSA). In persons with OSA, there is involuntary closure or reduction in caliber of a portion of the airway that connects the atmosphere to the lungs. The upper portion of the airway (the “upper airway”) consists ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This process disrupts normal sleep.

As a consequence, patients typically suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation.

Such effects may include daytime drowsiness, tiredness or fatigue, difficulties with mental concentration or memory, mood changes, reductions in performance or increases in mistakes, and increased risk of accidents.

Additionally, OSA is known to increase the risk of development of other medical problems.

While snoring has been traditionally regarded as a social or cosmetic problem, recent studies suggest that snoring may be linked to the development of health problems, including high blood pressure.

The lateral walls of the airway are susceptible to collapse in many patients with obstructive sleep apnea and other forms of sleep-related breathing disorders.

In these cases, prevention of collapse of the airway only in the anterior-posterior dimension is insufficient to maintain normal airway patency.

Even after extensive airway surgery for sleep apnea (which primarily addresses the anterior-posterior dimension of the airway), the patient may continue to have problems with breathing during sleep, due to lateral wall collapse or dysfunction.

Many people have difficulty using this device or prefer not to use it for various reasons.

These treatments, however, often fail to treat the problem adequately.

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