Motion Sensing Unit for Muscle Displacement Measurement in Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the efficacy of neural modulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea are inadequate, as they are either invasive, subjective, or provide only qualitative results, lacking the ability to accurately quantify muscle displacement and airway opening.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for measuring the degree of muscle displacement and airway opening in response to electrical nerve stimulation, involving the generation of a modulation signal, its application to electrodes implanted near muscles associated with the airway, and the detection of muscle movement using motion sensing units, which assign a value indicative of airway opening or obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods (airflow monitoring, visual observation, endoscopy) are used to assess therapy efficacy, then the assessment can be performed, but the results are either subjective, qualitative only, or require invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/invasive monitoring methods (endoscopy, visual observation) with a motion sensing unit that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect muscle movement. This substitution provides objective, quantitative data without requiring invasive procedures, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity and invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion sensing unit as an intermediary device that indirectly measures muscle displacement through detection of movement in the muscle or associated structures. This intermediary approach allows for non-invasive, continuous monitoring with high precision, resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and system simplicity.
2Reliability
If therapy parameters are adjusted based on subjective or qualitative assessments, then therapy can be administered, but the optimization of stimulation parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the motion sensing unit continuously monitors muscle displacement in real-time, and this information is fed back to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable therapy optimization occurs rapidly without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss by enabling real-time, automated parameter adjustment based on objective quantitative data.
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
This approach allows for accurate and objective monitoring of the efficacy of nerve stimulation therapy, enabling continuous feedback and adjustment of stimulation parameters to improve therapy outcomes, thereby enhancing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensing unit for determining movement of one or more muscles related to the subject's airway in response to the modulation signal applied to the at least one pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein refers to a method for measuring a degree of airway opening, e.g. of muscle displacement, to a system for implementing said method as well as to a use of the method and system in obstructive sleep apnea therapy.