Glossopharyngeal Nerve Access via Extracranial Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, have variable results and anatomical limitations, necessitating an alternative approach to stimulate other nerves in the lingual and pharyngeal airway system for effective airway opening.
Innovation Solution
A surgical method involving an incision near the earlobe, dissecting the stylohyoid and posterior belly of the digastric muscle to access and couple a neurostimulator to the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is then stimulated to improve airway obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, then tongue base collapse is reduced and airway is opened, but results are variable and anatomical limitations exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the glossopharyngeal nerve as an alternative target that can treat OSA in patients who are not suitable for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The neurostimulator system is adapted to stimulate multiple nerve pathways (hypoglossal, glossopharyngeal, or both) to provide a universal solution that works across different anatomical configurations and patient populations.
2Ease of operation
If intracranial approaches are used to access the glossopharyngeal nerve, then nerve access is achieved, but morbidity and surgical risk are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary extracranial surgical approach that accesses the glossopharyngeal nerve through the neck and jaw structures rather than directly through the skull. This intermediary pathway allows surgeons to reach the nerve using less invasive techniques, avoiding the high morbidity of craniotomies while still achieving effective nerve stimulation.
3Ease of operation
If extensive muscle dissection is performed to access the glossopharyngeal nerve, then nerve exposure is improved, but surgical complexity and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surgical approach into distinct, manageable steps: making the incision near the earlobe, identifying the styloid process, dissecting the stylohyoid and digastric muscles in sequence, and finally exposing the glossopharyngeal nerve. This segmented approach breaks down a complex procedure into systematic stages, improving nerve exposure while controlling surgical complexity through structured progression.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a subject includes an incision step that includes making an incision adjacent to an earlobe of the subject; a dissecting step that includes dissecting anatomical structure of the subject to provide access to a glossopharyngeal nerve of the subject; and a coupling step that includes operatively coupling a neurostimulator to the glossopharyngeal nerve. The dissecting step includes dissecting a stylohyoid muscle and a posterior belly of a digastric muscle of the subject.