Inflatable Cuff Airway Device for Sleep Apnea

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as CPAP and nasal airways, can be invasive and uncomfortable, and existing devices do not effectively prevent soft tissue collapse in the oropharynx while allowing airflow during sleep.

Innovation Solution

A nasally inserted airway opening device with an inflatable cuff that can be deflated for insertion and inflated to prevent soft tissue collapse in the oropharynx, allowing airflow through a through hole, and optionally includes features like pressure sensors or electrical contacts for automatic inflation or muscle stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nasal airway is inserted to prevent upper airway obstruction, then airway patency is improved, but insertion difficulty and discomfort increase due to tight fit and rubbing against the nasal airway

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patencyVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is designed to transition from a deflated compressed state during insertion to an inflated expanded state after positioning. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be inserted easily in a compact form and then expanded to provide effective airway support, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and airway patency reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the cuff changes from deflated to inflated, altering its volume and rigidity parameters. This parameter change enables the cuff to be inserted through the nostril in a flexible compressed state and then transformed into a rigid support structure to maintain airway patency, addressing both insertion ease and reliability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an inflatable cuff is inflated to prevent soft tissue collapse, then airway support is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway supportVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes pneumatic inflation through a catheter to expand the cuff and provide airway support. This pneumatic mechanism allows for adjustable inflation to achieve optimal airway support while maintaining relatively simple device structure, resolving the contradiction between airway support reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the inflatable cuff for airway support, the catheter for inflation, and the connection system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a tight fit is used to prevent airway obstruction, then airway support is improved, but comfort decreases due to rubbing and insertion difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway supportVSAvoiddiscomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a flexible compressed state during insertion to a rigid expanded state after positioning. This dynamic transformation ensures that the tight fit required for airway support is only achieved after insertion, minimizing discomfort during the insertion process while maintaining reliability during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cuff is inserted in a deflated compressed state before providing airway support. This preliminary action of insertion in a non-intrusive form factor reduces discomfort, followed by inflation to achieve the necessary tight fit for reliable airway support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively prevents soft tissue collapse in the oropharynx during sleep, allowing for comfortable and effective airflow, reducing sleep fragmentation and associated cardiovascular risks.

Implementation Method 1

The inflatable cuff may be inflated and deflated via the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

allowing airflow through the through hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow through opening:

Data Source

PatentUS8833373B2Nasally inserted airway opening device for obstructive sleep apnea treatment

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A nasally inserted airway opening device with inflatable cuff is provided to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The airway opening device includes a hollow flexible tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable cuff attached to the tube at or near the distal end. The inflatable cuff may be inflated and deflated via the tube. The inflatable cuff defines an interior through hole extending along the length thereof. When deflated, the inflatable cuff may be packed closely to the tube and may be inserted or removed through a nostril of a user. When inserted through the user's nostril and positioned in the user's oropharynx or naso-oropharynx and inflated, the inflatable cuff prevents soft tissue in the user's naso-oropharynx from collapsing toward the posterior pharyngeal wall while simultaneously allowing airflow through the through hole. A method for utilizing the airway opening device to prevent/treat sleep apnea is also provided.