Upper Airway Stimulation Patient Selection Using Obstruction Vector Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as CPAP, are not effective for all patients, necessitating the development of alternative therapies, particularly for those with specific anatomical obstructions and co-morbidities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to automatically determine patient eligibility for an implantable upper airway stimulation system by analyzing images and physiologic data from the upper airway, using an obstruction vector and patient candidate filter to assess the location, pattern, and degree of obstruction, and applying criteria such as CPAP effectiveness, co-morbidities, BMI, and AHI to determine suitability for the implantable system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP therapy is used as the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, then treatment coverage is provided for general cases, but effectiveness is reduced for patients with specific anatomical obstructions and co-morbidities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized treatment protocols tailored to specific patient characteristics. The system evaluates individual patient factors including anatomical obstruction patterns, co-morbidities, and response to initial therapy, then prescribes specific therapeutic interventions (such as different CPAP pressures, alternative therapies like UAS, or surgical options) rather than applying a uniform treatment approach to all patients.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative therapies like implantable upper airway stimulation are introduced, then treatment options expand for non-responders, but treatment selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the patient population into distinct subgroups based on objective criteria such as anatomical obstruction location, severity of co-morbidities, and CPAP response. This segmentation creates clear categories that guide treatment selection, reducing the complexity of deciding among multiple therapy options by systematically eliminating inappropriate candidates for each treatment modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a structured evaluation process that assesses patient characteristics before treatment selection. The system performs preliminary screening for anatomical factors, co-morbidities, and CPAP compliance/response, and establishes treatment eligibility criteria in advance, thereby simplifying the subsequent treatment selection process rather than making decisions without prior systematic assessment.
3Ease of operation
If manual patient evaluation for implantable stimulation is performed, then clinical judgment can be applied, but assessment consistency and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing an objective evaluation system that uses measurable patient parameters (anatomical measurements, physiological data, treatment response metrics) to inform treatment selection. The system provides feedback loops where treatment outcomes are monitored and used to refine future treatment decisions, ensuring consistent application of selection criteria while maintaining the ability to adjust based on objective data rather than subjective judgment alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method provides for determining patient eligibility for receiving an implantable upper airway stimulation system. Images and sensed data are obtained regarding an upper airway of a patient. Based on the obtained image and sensed data, an obstruction vector is determined according to a location, a pattern, and a degree of obstruction along the upper airway. A patient candidate filter is applied against a patient health profile. Patient eligibility is determined based on the obstruction vector and application of the patient candidate filter.