Neurostimulation method and system to treat apnea

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to treat apnea episodes. The methods and systems detect a respiratory pattern of a patient and identify a type associated with the respiratory pattern. A sleep stage is detected that the patient is experiencing and the method and system identify when the sleep stage warrants therapy. When the respiratory pattern corresponds to an apnea episode (AE) and the sleep stage warrants therapy, the methods and systems deliver an apnea episode terminating neuro-stimulation (AET-NS) therapy configured to terminate the AE. A type of AE therapy that is delivered may be based on the sleep stage that was detected. The methods and systems may determine whether the AET-NS therapy successfully terminated the AE, and, if not, adjust the AET-NS therapy and deliver a new AET-NS therapy.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application is a Divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 108,161 (Attorney Docket No. A13P3019), filed Dec. 16, 2013, entitled “NEUROSTIMULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM TO TREAT APNEA,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to neurostimulation systems and methods, and more particularly to a neurostimulation method and system to treat apnea based on sleep stage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which normal, consistent breathing during sleep is interrupted by either the complete cessation of, or significant reduction in, breathing for a few seconds (e.g., at least 10 seconds) or as long as a few minutes. Sleep apnea affects 4-6% of the general adult population and is even more common in persons with cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea can lead to or exacerbate many seriou...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and device for treating apnea episodes using neural stimulation therapy. The method involves detecting a respiratory pattern and identifying the type of apnea episode based on the pattern. The device includes a respiration sensor, a sleep stage sensor, and a therapy module that delivers apnea episode terminating neurostimulation (AET-NS) therapy when the apnea episode is detected and the sleep stage is appropriate for therapy. The device can automatically adjust the AET-NS therapy based on the patient's response to the therapy and can communicate with an external device to adjust the therapy. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more effective and efficient treatment for apnea episodes using neural stimulation therapy.

Problems solved by technology

However, some patients find the therapy to be uncomfortable and noisy.

If breathing is halted for a long period of time or if the airway becomes fully blocked, the patient may wake up suddenly and completely, struggling to breathe.

These episodes may be perceived as frightening by the patient, and severely limit sleep quality.

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