80 results about "Airway patency" patented technology

An apparatus for selectively positioning intraoral anatomic features of a human patient to enhance upper airway stability for use alone or in combination with positive airway pressure as therapeutic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions, such as snoring, which are symptomatic of upper airway instability.

A system for reducing airway obstructions of a patient may include a ventilator, a control unit, a gas delivery circuit with a proximal end in fluid communication with the ventilator and a distal end in fluid communication with a nasal interface, and a nasal interface. The nasal interface may include at least one jet nozzle, and at least one spontaneous respiration sensor in communication with the control unit for detecting a respiration effort pattern and a need for supporting airway patency. The system may be open to ambient. The control unit may determine more than one gas output velocities. The more than one gas output velocities may be synchronized with different parts of a spontaneous breath effort cycle, and a gas output velocity may be determined by a need for supporting airway patency.

Airway monitoring apparatus 30 includes a driver 6 for applying sound in the audible frequency range to the airway of a subject and a detector 7 for monitoring the response of the airway, e.g. by detecting transmitted sound signal components and / or reflected sound signal components. Variations in the detected sound signal, e.g. energy, due to attenuation of the signal, give an indication of the state of the airway, e.g. airway patency, and can be used to monitor sleep-disordered breathing events, such as apnea and hypopnea, and to provide a breathing event index, e.g. AHI. The apparatus may provide servo-control for a respiratory assist device, such as a positive airway pressure device, so as to provide an appropriate pressure level setting. It may allow for home use of such devices and for home titration. It may also assist in discriminating central and obstructive breathing events, and in providing a measure of airway resistance.

Airway monitoring apparatus 30 includes a driver 6 for applying sound in the audible frequency range to the airway of a subject and a detector 7 for monitoring the response of the airway, e.g. by detecting transmitted sound signal components and / or reflected sound signal components. Variations in the detected sound signal, e.g. energy, due to attenuation of the signal, give an indication of the state of the airway, e.g. airway patency, and can be used to monitor sleep-disordered breathing events, such as apnea and hypopnea, and to provide a breathing event index, e.g. AHI. The apparatus may provide servo-control for a respiratory assist device, such as a positive airway pressure device, so as to provide an appropriate pressure level setting. It may allow for home use of such devices and for home titration. It may also assist in discriminating central and obstructive breathing events, and in providing a measure of airway resistance.

Compositions and methods for the treatment of sleep related breathing disorders are provided. Compositions include mirtazapine in combination with other active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as zonisamide, topiramate or modafinil. The treated sleep related breathing disorders include sleep apnea and sleep hypopnea. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compounds are used as adjuvant therapy with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, thereby lowering the pressure required to maintain airway patency during PAP therapy.

A breathing assistance device is provides guidance to the rescuer, guidance to the victim, and modifies treatment parameters automatically based upon feedback loops relating to patient needs. Guidance can include pictograms showing cartoons of lung expansion, airway patency, breathing rate, and depth of breathing. A microprocessor preferably produces the pictorial guidance as a function of at least one of estimated end tidal CO2, estimated fractional inspired oxygen, estimated fractional expired oxygen, estimated airway resistance, and estimated lung compliance. The microprocessor can also execute a software code that executes a feedback loop that attempts to normalize values of a parameter over time, by controlling at least one pressure in a neck pillow, mask pressure, breathing rate, breathing volume, inspiration time, and expiration time. Contemplated parameters can include estimated end tidal CO2, estimated fractional inspired oxygen, estimated fractional expired oxygen, estimated airway resistance, and estimated lung compliance.

Compositions and methods for the treatment of sleep related breathing disorders are provided. Compositions include setiptiline in combination with other active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as zonisamide, topiramate or modafinil. The treated sleep related breathing disorders include sleep apnea and sleep hypopnea. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compounds are used as adjuvant therapy with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, thereby lowering the pressure required to maintain airway patency during PAP therapy.

An inflatable nasopharyngeal stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having a lumen defining a central inner chamber. A plurality of inflatable spokes are disposed along the central tube. The spokes are in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the central tube and are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes connect to a rib. The un-inflated stent is inserted into the nasal passageway through a naris and positioned such that so that a portion of the device is proximal to an anatomic structure exhibiting undesirable inflammation, configuration, growth or motility. Once positioned, the stent is inflated. Upon inflation, the ribs and adjoining web members move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the nasopharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the inflatable spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.

Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and / or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion. One determination of patency of the airway is performed by applying an oscillatory pressure waveform of known frequency to a patient's airway, calculating the magnitude of the component of said air flow signal at the known frequency induced by the oscillatory pressure waveform and comparing the calculated magnitude with a threshold value. Alternatively, the air flow signal is analysed to detect the presence of a component due to cardiogenic activity.

Apparatus comprising a mask with integral air pressure generating device(s) maintains an elevated air pressure supply to the nose and / or mouth which facilitates the airway to remain open.

An airway stent with an integral suture anchor is used to prevent migration of the stent within the airway. The suture anchor is incorporated by percutaneous placement of a suture through the neck and into the stent. The distal end of the suture includes an anchor element to secure the suture to the stent. The opposite end of the suture is tensioned and held in place by a suture clamp and a pledget routed over the stent and placed against the neck. Airway stents such as tracheal stents are effective at maintaining airway patency however; a common complication is stent migration. The integral suture anchor provides a reliable, economical, and non-intrusive solution to stent migration.

A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

A support device (10) having a chin rest (12), malleable shaft (14), and base (16) and a method of using device to maintain patency to the airway of a person with a decreased level of consciousness. The head of the person is positioned such that airway patency is confirmed. The device is then positioned such that airway patency of the person is maintained as needed.

A removable intraoral apparatus for improving airway patency is described. Wearing the apparatus alters the position, configuration and freedom of movement of the tongue, the muscles of mastication, as well as the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The apparatus is useful for correcting snoring and / or obstructive sleep apnea due to intermittent closures or partial obstructions occurring in the oropharynx during sleep. The apparatus of the invention can improve various types of airway disorders and improve oral functions by changing the position, configuration and freedom of movement of selected portions of the tongue and mouth, reducing the resistance to air flow in the mouth and pharynx, re-orienting and reprogramming the muscles of the mouth and tongue, and maintaining a proper oral systemic balance.

A jaw-thrust device includes a base with an extension arm disposed on each side of a patient's head mounted on the base. A mandible rest is mounted on each extension arm such that the mandible rest may be deployed proximate to a patient's mandible. A chin pad and at least one connector connects the chin strap to at least one of the base or extension arm; whereby jaw thrusting pressure on the mandible rests causes rotational force on the chin straps such that the patient's mouth opens without substantially tilting the patient's head. The device maintains an open airway unattended.

A mechanically deployable upper airway stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having an inner chamber and openings on its surface. A linkage rod is housed within the central tube and is provided with branched spokes that pass through the openings. In the un-deployed state the branched spokes are contained within the central tube. Deployed spokes are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes of each grouping connect to a rib. The un-deployed stent is inserted into the nasal passageway and positioned relative to occluding anatomic structures. Upon deployment, the ribs along with web members extending between the ribs move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the pharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the extended spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.

An incentive spirometry device designed to assist patients with respiratory therapy by means of an electronic air flow sensor that provides patients with visual or other positive feedback when they inhale or exhale at a predetermined flow rate or volume and sustain the act for a predetermined minimum time period. The objectives are to increase transpulmonary pressure and inspiratory volumes, improve inspiratory muscle performance, and re-establish or simulate the normal pattern of pulmonary hyperinflation. When the procedure is repeated on a regular basis, airway patency may be maintained and lung atelectasis prevented and reversed. By means of a connection to a personal computer, a video game like therapy session could enable patients to have a more effective and enjoyable session.

Improved pacifiers are provided. Certain embodiments better accommodate the anatomy of the human oral cavity and throat, and can provide for improved airway patency, healthy jaw development, correct swallowing, and / or satisfy a user's inclination to suck and nibble. Certain embodiments include an upper ridge groove configured to receive a user's upper anterior ridge, and a lower ridge groove configured to receive the user's lower anterior ridge. The ridge grooves can be substantially vertically aligned, can span a user's anterior ridges, and can maintain vertical spacing between the user's anterior ridges. Certain embodiments include an anterior flange and a posterior flange, the upper ridge groove configured to receive the upper anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange, and the lower ridge groove configured to receive the lower anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange. Certain embodiments include a nipple projecting substantially vertically from the posterior flange.

An exemplary method includes calling for delivery of energy to one or more electrodes positionable proximate to an autonomic pathway to alter tone of the geniglossus muscle. Such a method may maintain or alter upper airway patency and, in turn, prevent or alleviate obstructive apnea. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

A support device having a chin rest with an upper convex portion, a malleable shaft, and a base configured with a lower convex portion are provided. The device is configured to maintain patency to the airway of a person with a decreased level of consciousness. The head of the person is positioned such that airway patency is confirmed. The device is then positioned such that airway patency of the person is maintained as needed.

An assembly for modifying airflow into a nasopharyngeal airway or trachea of a patient. A valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet attaches to a traditional airflow generator. A valve seal within the assembly is operable by a solenoid and is adapted to cycle in response to a programmable controller circuit wherein upon activation of both the airflow generator and the controller circuit, pressurized air from the airflow generator continuously enters the inlet but passes out of the outlet of the assembly only when the solenoid causes the valve seal to retract and to at least partially unblock the outlet such that the pressurized air is converted into a single, repeatable burst exiting the outlet thereby modifying the traditional airflow.

This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and prevents disengaging from patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway.

Methods and apparatus provide automated controls for a respiratory pressure therapy device, such as a servo-ventilator. For example, a controller of a respiratory pressure therapy device may control application of pressure support ventilation therapy to an airway of a patient. The controller may control the respiratory pressure therapy device to auto-titrate an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) of a pressure support ventilation therapy so as to maintain airway patency of the patient. The EPAP may be bounded below by a floor pressure limit. The controller may control the respiratory pressure therapy device to repeatedly adjust the floor pressure limit depending on events of interest during the auto-titration of the EPAP. Such methodologies may improve treatment for patients such as those suffering from sleep disordered breathing-comorbid hyperarousal disorders.