Neuromodulation System for Sleep Apnea Airway Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for sleep disordered breathing, such as CPAP therapy and hypoglossal nerve stimulation, have limited effectiveness and compliance issues, as they do not adequately address airway collapse in all patients, particularly those with anatomical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that delivers electrical signals to the ansa cervicalis to stimulate the sternothyroid muscle and the phrenic nerve to activate the diaphragm, improving upper airway stability and reducing the potential for airway collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP therapy is used to keep airways open, then airway patency is improved, but patient compliance deteriorates due to limited effectiveness and tolerance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP system with a neuromodulation-based electrical stimulation system that activates respiratory muscles through electrical signals delivered to nerves such as the phrenic nerve and ansa cervicalis, eliminating the need for continuous positive airway pressure delivery
2Reliability
If hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used to dilate the pharyngeal airway, then airway collapsibility is improved, but applicability deteriorates due to anatomical limitations in many patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent targets multiple nerves including the phrenic nerve, ansa cervicalis, and hypoglossal nerve to provide a multi-functional stimulation approach that can be applied to a broader range of patients with different anatomical characteristics, not limited to those suitable for hypoglossal nerve stimulation alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the airway support function into multiple independent nerve stimulation targets, allowing selective stimulation of different nerve-muscle pathways (diaphragm via phrenic nerve, sternothyroid via ansa cervicalis, tongue muscles via hypoglossal nerve) to address various components of airway collapse separately
3Reliability
If multiple nerves are stimulated to improve airway stability, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nerve stimulation functions into a single integrated neuromodulation device that can deliver electrical signals to multiple target nerves (phrenic nerve, ansa cervicalis, hypoglossal nerve) through a unified system with a single controller and power source, reducing overall system complexity
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 enhances airway stability by individually controlling airway collapsibility and thoracic expansion, offering a more effective treatment for sleep disordered breathing beyond traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode configured to deliver a first electrical signal to a target site proximate to the ansa cervicalis to stimulate the ansa cervicalis and activate the sternothyroid muscle
Implementation Method 2
a second electrode configured to deliver a second electrical signal to target site proximate to the phrenic nerve to stimulate the phrenic nerve and activate the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving sleep disordered breathing by stimulating the ansa cervicalis and activating the sternothyroid muscle and stimulating the phrenic nerve to activate the diaphragm.