40 results about "Hypoglossal nerve" patented technology

Obstructive sleep apnea from blockage of the upper airway can result in significant health issues. Described herein is an intelligent personalized closed loop neuromodulation system and methods to prevent backwards movement of the genioglossus muscle through stimulation of certain branches of the hypoglossal nerve and muscle motor points, by using muscle feedback from electromyogram sensors to provide optimal stimulus. Alternative embodiments to treat neuropathic pain and urinary dysfunction are enclosed.

A device includes at least one first element in operative relation to at least one target tissue from a set of target tissues to treat sleep disordered breathing, which may include obstructive sleep apnea. The operative relation may include sensing and / or stimulation. The at least one target tissue may comprise diaphragm-related tissue, respiratory tissue-related nerves, and / or upper airway patency-related tissue. Example tissue in the set of target tissues includes hypoglossal nerve, infrahyoid muscle (IHM)-innervating nerve, IHMs, glossopharyngeal nerve, an internal superior laryngeal (iSL) nerve, phrenic nerve, diaphragm, pudendal nerve, among other nerves and muscles. In some example, multiple target tissue may be selected for stimulation and / or sensing.

The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the IMU is configured to detect chest and / or abdominal movement by a patient during the inspiration and expiration stages of a respiratory cycle and to generate positional data based on the detected movement. Positional data generated by the IMU is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea.

The system includes an array of electrodes and a stimulator coupled to the array of electrodes by at least one flexible wire. The array of electrodes are disposed on a flexible carrier configured to wrap around a hypoglossal nerve of a patient. The array of electrodes include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The stimulator includes a control circuit configured to generate a stimulation signal. The stimulator is configured to receive a communication from an external device for selecting at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode that will participate in stimulating the hypoglossal nerve of the patient.

Systems and methods for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Certain embodiments include a pulse generator, circuitry configured to receive an energy signal, a communication module, and a programming module. In certain embodiments, the first pulse generator comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, a pulse generator coil, and circuitry configured to receive an energy signal. In particular embodiments, the first pulse generator can be configured to be implanted directly on a hypoglossal nerve on a first side of the patient and configured to deliver stimulation energy to activate at least one branch of the hypoglossal nerve on the first side of the patient. The communication module can include a communication coil configured to communicate with the pulse generator coil in specific embodiments. The programming module can be configured to communicate programming instructions to the communication module, the programming instructions defining an attribute of the stimulation energy.

The application discloses an obstructive sleep apnea device and method; the device comprises a mouthpiece carrier, an electrode stimulation module and a control unit, the electrode stimulation module comprises an integrated flexible circuit board transmission link, the transmission link is integrated with a stimulation electrode with a nickel-titanium alloy support strip on the inner side of the mouthpiece carrier, and the stimulation electrode can apply electric stimulation to the genioglossus muscle or hypoglossal nerve; the external control unit is provided with a microcontroller and an acoustic sensor; the method first collects an environmental background signal, processes the signal to generate a signal determination threshold, then collects a human respiratory acoustic vibration signal in real time, processes the signal to generate a respiratory sound energy value, compares the two to determine an abnormal respiratory event; after determining the abnormality, a gradient output electric stimulation is output, and a dynamic feedback mechanism is combined to adjust the stimulation intensity; when the stimulation intensity is zero and there is no abnormal signal, it is determined that the intervention is completed and the standby state is entered; the application can adapt to environmental noise, avoid current mutation discomfort, closed-loop control intervention intensity, and is suitable for sleep apnea auxiliary intervention.

This disclosure describes a system including a needle configured to percutaneously insert into skin and form a path for inserting a lead, the needle including a pointed distal end for percutaneously inserting the needle for placement near a hypoglossal nerve of a patient, and an elongated body comprising an inner lumen, wherein the elongated body defines one or more openings connecting an outer surface of the elongated body to the inner lumen. The lead may be configured to be disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated body and may include a shaft and one or more electrodes disposed on the shaft, configured to be placed near the hypoglossal nerve, and configured to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), wherein locations of the one or more electrodes on the shaft at least partially correspond to the one or more openings of the needle.

Obstructive sleep apnea from blockage of the upper airway can result in significant daytime drowsiness, with many long-term co-morbidities associated with this disorder such as such as hypertension. A common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is the complete concentric collapse of the soft pallet or retrusion of the genioglossus muscle into the upper airway obstructing breathing. The latter can be due to exhaustion of the muscle due to heightened activation during wake periods, or a greater number of type II muscle fibers can contribute to muscle fatigue. It could also be neurological, whereby the hypoglossal nerve which controls most the upper airway muscles fails to innervate the genioglossus sufficiently to prevent backward movement and pharyngeal block. Described herein is an intelligent personalized closed loop neuromodulation system and methods to prevent backwards movement of the genioglossus muscle through stimulation of certain branches of the hypoglossal nerve and muscle motor points, by using muscle feedback from electromyogram sensors to provide optimal stimulus. Alternative embodiments to treat neuropathic pain and urinary dysfunction are enclosed.

Methods and systems are provided to improve SDB in a patient suffering therefrom by delivering an electrical neuromodulation signal to at least a target site comprising an efferent fiber of the glossopharyngeal nerve that innervates pharyngeal constrictor muscles or the stylopharyngeus muscle. Methods include further delivering electrical neuromodulation signals to other sites including one or more combinations of the ansa cervicalis, the hypoglossal nerve, the palatoglossus muscle, and / or the palatopharyngeus muscle. The electrical neuromodulation signal delivered to efferent fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve can be done independent of a detected sensory or input signal that measures the neuromuscular state of the patient's airway.

This utility model discloses an electrical stimulation control circuit and an anti-snoring device, relating to the field of medical device technology. The electrical stimulation control circuit includes: an electrical pulse output circuit, the output terminal of which is electrically connected to an electrode plate; and a main control circuit, which is electrically connected to the electrical pulse output circuit. The main control circuit controls the electrical pulse output circuit to output electrical pulses of a preset frequency and a preset pulse width to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is used to conduct the electrical pulses to the human jaw to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. The preset frequency ranges from 18kHz to 22kHz, and the preset pulse width ranges from 45μs to 55μs. This utility model aims to solve the technical problem that existing anti-snoring devices often cannot effectively stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, thus affecting the user experience.

The invention discloses a breathing therapeutic apparatus, and relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and the breathing therapeutic apparatus comprises a host which is used for detecting the breathing state of a target object, and outputting an electric pulse with a preset frequency and a preset pulse width when detecting that the breathing state of the target object is snoring or apnea; wherein the value range of the preset frequency is between 18 kHz and 22 kHz, and the value range of the preset pulse width is between 45 microseconds and 55 microseconds; the gel patch is connected with the host, and the gel patch is used for being attached to the lower jaw of the target object so as to conduct the electric pulse to the lower jaw of the target object and stimulate the hypoglossal nerves of the target object; the invention aims to solve the technical problems that the endurance time of an existing breathing therapeutic apparatus is short and hypoglossal nerves cannot be well stimulated generally.

The present invention provides a system and method for improving sleep apnea. **Solution**: The system and method include stimulating the activation of the hypoglossal nerve sheath that innervates one or more infrahyoid muscles by inducing the delivery of a stimulatory neuromodulation signal to the hypoglossal nerve sheath. By delivering an inhibitory neuromodulation signal to the hypoglossal nerve sheath, it is possible to block the activation of the efferent fibers that innervate one or more suprahyoid muscles. The inhibitory neuromodulation signal can reduce the undesired retrograde efferent activation of one or more suprahyoid muscles.

A method for titrating a stimulation parameter for one or more electrode contacts in a system for stimulating a hypoglossal nerve of a patient includes activating one of the one or more electrode contacts to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve of the patient, obtaining a first and / or second physiological measurement from the patient, comparing the first and / or second physiological measurement to a first and / or second predetermined target value, adjusting a stimulation parameter for the one of the one or more electrode contacts if the first and / or second physiological measurement differs from the first and / or second predetermined target value.

Disclosed herein is a method for electrical nerve (510) stimulation, the method comprising: generating an electrical stimulation pattern (100) comprising a plurality of successive pulse trains (110), wherein each pulse train (110) has a pulse train amplitude (111); delivering the electrical stimulation pattern (100) to a subjects hypoglossal nerve (510) with a stimulator (300) having at least one electrode (310); modulating the electrical stimulation pattern (100), wherein modulation of the electrical stimulation pattern (100) comprises gradually increasing the pulse train amplitude (111) from one pulse train (110) to a successive pulse train (110) at stimulation onset (101) until a determined target stimulation amplitude (130) is reached; characterized in that modulation of the electrical stimulation pattern (100) further comprises decreasing the target stimulation amplitude (130) to a defined step-down amplitude (140) within each pulse train (110) after the target stimulation amplitude (130) was reached.

Wireless power transfer devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Various embodiments of the present technology relate to devices, systems, and methods for delivering power to an implantable device, such as an implantable neuromodulation device configured to modulate a hypoglossal nerve of a patient. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes an external system comprising a control unit coupled to an external device. The external device can comprise a carrier carrying an antenna configured to conduct electrical current such that the antenna generates an electromagnetic field. When the implantable neuromodulation device is positioned within the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna, current can be induced in an antenna of the implantable neuromodulation device such that power is delivered to the implantable neuromodulation device.

The invention provides a hypoglossal nerve stimulation control system and a portable stimulator, and the system comprises a data collection module which is used for collecting the three-axis acceleration data of a detected object at the current moment, and determining the roll angle and the pitch angle of the detected object based on the three-axis acceleration data; the posture recognition module is used for determining the posture of the detected object based on the roll angle and the pitch angle; the respiration detection module is used for determining a respiration signal source based on the posture and identifying an apnea event based on the respiration signal source; the respiration signal source comprises a roll angle and / or a pitch angle; and the stimulation control module is used for responding to the apnea event and triggering hypoglossal nerve electrical stimulation. The apnea event is identified based on the respiratory signal source, the opportunity of hypoglossal nerve electrical stimulation can be accurately identified, the respiratory signal source is determined based on the posture, the more accurate respiratory signal source is selected, and the effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve electrical stimulation is improved.

Systems and methods for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Certain embodiments include a pulse generator, circuitry configured to receive an energy signal, a communication module, and a programming module. In certain embodiments, the first pulse generator comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, a pulse generator coil, and circuitry configured to receive an energy signal. In particular embodiments, the first pulse generator can be configured to be implanted directly on a hypoglossal nerve on a first side of the patient and configured to deliver stimulation energy to activate at least one branch of the hypoglossal nerve on the first side of the patient. The communication module can include a communication coil configured to communicate with the pulse generator coil in specific embodiments. The programming module can be configured to communicate programming instructions to the communication module, the programming instructions defining an attribute of the stimulation energy.

The present invention relates to a tongue sleeve device for electrically stimulating hypoglossal nerves, comprising: an outer housing configured to have an inner cavity and an opening into which a tongue extends; the inner shell is arranged in the inner cavity of the outer shell and is connected with the outer shell, so that the inner shell divides the inner cavity of the outer shell into a closed first accommodating cavity between the outer shell and the inner shell and a second accommodating cavity which is used for accommodating the tongue part and can be communicated with the outside through the opening; the stimulation circuit is provided with a power source, a controller and an electrode terminal which are electrically connected with one another, the power source and the controller are arranged in the first containing cavity, the electrode terminal is arranged on the inner shell, at least the stimulation face of the electrode terminal is exposed in the second containing cavity, and the inner shell is at least partially made of a shape memory polymer. An actuating device is arranged in the first containing cavity and can enable the inner shell to change between a contraction state and an expansion state. The invention also relates to a method for operating the tongue sleeve device.

The application discloses a control method and device of a hypoglossal nerve stimulation device, equipment and a medium, the method comprises: acquiring a physiological characteristic signal for characterizing the breathing state of a detected object; based on the delay corresponding to the physiological characteristic signal, a breathing state space model of the physiological characteristic signal is constructed, so as to compensate for the delay when estimating the target respiratory phase of the detected object at the current time; based on the breathing state space model, the physiological characteristic signal is filtered by a specified filter to estimate the target respiratory phase; determine whether the target respiratory phase is within the preset stimulation window; if yes, output the stimulation signal; if not, return to the step of acquiring the physiological characteristic signal. Thus, by introducing delay compensation when constructing the breathing state space model, the accuracy of the stimulation signal output is improved. In addition, through real-time target respiratory phase estimation and preset stimulation window judgment, the breathing state of the detected object is tracked, and the accuracy of the respiratory phase synchronous control is improved.

Methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea according to the disclosure can include providing an implant comprising: a substantially planar central body portion having a top side and a bottom side; at least two adjustable wing portions; and at least two connecting members each extending from opposite sides of the central body portion, each of the at least two connecting members configured to flexibly connect each of the at least two wing portions to the central body portion on opposite sides; forming a surgical opening to expose a genioglossus muscle; exposing a hypoglossal nerve branch on at least one side of the genioglossus muscle for stimulation by the implant; forming at least one pocket on at least one side of the genioglossus muscle; sizing the pocket to receive at least one of the at least two wing portions of the implant device; inserting the implant device through the surgical opening such that the central body extends over the genioglossus muscle and each of the wing portions is received in a respective at least one pocket; and securing the implant device to the muscle.

Neuromodulation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Various embodiments of the present technology relate to devices, systems, and methods for delivering electrical energy to a hypoglossal nerve of a patient. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes an implantable device comprising a lead and an antenna. The antenna can comprise a planar coil including a conductive wire formed into a wound portion with a plurality of spiral turns, and wherein the coil has a coil width measured in a first dimension and a coil length smaller than the coil width measured in a second dimension. The conductive wire can be biocompatible and non-corrosive.

The invention relates to a tongue sleeve device for electrical stimulation of hypoglossal nerves, the tongue sleeve device comprising a tongue sleeve body, an electrode terminal and an electrode circuit, the tongue sleeve body having a continuously extending base for contact with the back of the tongue and two side portions located on both sides of the base and extending at an angle to the base, the electrode terminals are arranged on the base part and each of the two side parts, and the electrode circuit is at least partially arranged in the tongue sleeve body and electrically connected with the electrode terminals. The invention also relates to a method for operating the tongue sleeve device in order to selectively activate the corresponding electrode terminals.

The invention provides a system and method for improving sleep breathing disorder based on nerve stimulation, and belongs to the technical field of medical treatment. Comprising a mask for collecting nasopharyngeal airflow, snore and vibration signals; the nerve stimulation module is used for stimulating hypoglossal nerves and phrenic nerves through electric pulses; the fixed flow positive pressure support module is used for providing continuous positive airway pressure ventilation; the multi-source data acquisition module is used for acquiring respiratory movement amplitude data and blood oxygen saturation data; the control unit module comprises a data processing core and a double-closed-loop controller; the data processing core is used for identifying a respiratory event type based on an LSTM model and establishing a stimulation-ventilation response relation matrix; the double-closed-loop controller is used for adjusting the stimulation intensity of the nerve stimulation module in real time. By dynamically adjusting parameters, reducing sequential control errors and realizing multi-signal synchronization, the limitation of single nerve stimulation is effectively solved, and the accuracy and effectiveness of intervention are ensured.

A method for titrating a stimulation parameter for one or more electrode contacts in a system for stimulating a hypoglossal nerve of a patient includes activating one of the one or more electrode contacts to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve of the patient, obtaining a first and / or second physiological measurement from the patient, comparing the first and / or second physiological measurement to a first and / or second predetermined target value, adjusting a stimulation parameter for the one of the one or more electrode contacts if the first and / or second physiological measurement differs from the first and / or second predetermined target value.

The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an acoustic sensor configured to detect acoustic sounds generated by the heart and lungs. Sensory data from the acoustic sensor is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea.

Disclosed herein is a method for electrical nerve (510) stimulation, the method comprising: generating an electrical stimulation pattern (100) comprising a plurality of successive pulse trains (110), wherein each pulse train (110) has a pulse train amplitude (111); delivering the electrical stimulation pattern (100) to a subject's hypoglossal nerve (510) with a stimulator (300) having at least one electrode (310); modulating the electrical stimulation pattern (100), wherein modulation of the electrical stimulation pattern (100) comprises gradually increasing the pulse train amplitude (111) from one pulse train (110) to a successive pulse train (110) at stimulation onset (101) until a determined target stimulation amplitude (130) is reached; characterized in that modulation of the electrical stimulation pattern (100) further comprises decreasing the target stimulation amplitude (130) to a defined step-down amplitude (140) within each pulse train (110) after the target stimulation amplitude (130) was reached.

The present disclosure relates to wireless power transmission devices and related systems and methods. Embodiments of the present technology relate to devices, systems, and methods for powering an implantable device, such as an implantable neuromodulation device configured to modulate a patient's hypoglossal nerve. According to certain embodiments, the technology includes an external system including a control unit connected to an external device. The external device can include a carrier carrying an antenna configured to conduct a current, the antenna generating an electromagnetic field. When the implantable neuromodulation device is placed within the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna, a current is induced in the antenna of the implantable neuromodulation device, thereby powering the implantable neuromodulation device.

Implantable electrodes with power delivery wearable for treating sleep apnea, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes non-implantable signal generator worn by the patient and having an antenna that directs a mid-field RF power signal to an implanted electrode. The implanted electrode in turn directs a lower frequency signal to a neural target, for example, the patient's hypoglossal nerve. Representative signal generators can have the form of a mouthpiece, a collar or other wearable, and / or a skin-mounted patch.

Obstructive sleep apnea, causing daytime drowsiness and comorbidities like hypertension, often stems from soft palate collapse or genioglossus muscle retrusion. This can be due to muscle exhaustion (heightened activation, more type II fibers) or insufficient hypoglossal nerve innervation. Described herein is an intelligent personalized closed loop neuromodulation system and methods to prevent backwards movement of the genioglossus muscle through stimulation of certain branches of the hypoglossal nerve and muscle motor points, by using muscle feedback from electromyogram sensors to provide optimal stimulus. Alternative embodiments to treat neuropathic pain and urinary dysfunction are enclosed.

Neuromodulation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Various embodiments of the present technology relate to devices, systems, and methods for delivering electrical energy to a hypoglossal nerve of a patient. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes an implantable device comprising a lead and an antenna. The antenna can comprise a planar coil including a conductive wire formed into a wound portion with a plurality of spiral turns, and wherein the coil has a coil width measured in a first dimension and a coil length smaller than the coil width measured in a second dimension. The conductive wire can be biocompatible and non-corrosive.