Peripheral Nerve Stimulation With EMG-Guided Genioglossus Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as CPAP and invasive neurostimulation, are intrusive, uncomfortable, and have low compliance due to their invasive nature, while non-invasive neurostimulation methods fail to effectively activate the genioglossus muscle for airway patency.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive system using an array of electrodes to monitor GG muscle activity through EMG signals, determining optimal sensing and stimulation electrodes, and delivering closed-loop neuromodulation to the hypoglossal nerve for real-time muscle activation during inspiratory phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive neurostimulation (IPG implantation) is used to treat OSA, then airway patency is effectively maintained, but surgical risks and patient comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patency maintenanceVSAvoidsurgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation system (IPG with leads) with a non-invasive electrical stimulation system using surface electrodes. The stimulation device delivers electrical pulses through the skin to activate the genioglossus muscle without requiring surgical insertion of electrodes or implants, thereby eliminating surgical risks while maintaining airway patency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces surface electrodes as an intermediary between the stimulation device and the genioglossus muscle. These electrodes serve as a non-invasive interface that transmits electrical stimulation signals through the skin and tissue to activate the target muscle, replacing the need for direct surgical electrode implantation and eliminating associated surgical hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If CPAP is used to treat OSA, then airway obstruction is prevented, but patient comfort and compliance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway obstruction preventionVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP system (mask, hose, and pressure-generating machine) with an electrical neuromodulation system. Instead of using continuous positive pressure to mechanically keep the airway open, the system uses electrical stimulation to activate the genioglossus muscle, which actively protrudes the tongue and maintains airway patency through physiological muscle action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the body's own muscle system to serve the function of airway maintenance. By stimulating the genioglossus muscle, the system leverages the muscle's natural physiological function of tongue protrusion and airway support, eliminating the need for external mechanical pressure application and improving patient comfort and acceptance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive neurostimulation is used to treat OSA, then patient comfort is improved, but stimulation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidmuscle activation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the stimulation response and adjusts parameters to optimize genioglossus muscle activation. By detecting muscle activity and stimulation effectiveness, the system can adaptively modify electrode selection, stimulation amplitude, and pulse parameters to ensure reliable muscle activation while maintaining non-invasive comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic electrode selection and stimulation parameter adjustment based on real-time conditions. The system can identify and switch between optimal electrode configurations and adjust stimulation characteristics adaptively, ensuring effective muscle activation despite variations in patient anatomy, tissue properties, and physiological states, all while maintaining non-invasive comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively maintains upper airway patency by accurately stimulating the genioglossus muscle, reducing apnea events, and improving patient comfort and compliance without surgical risks.

Implementation Method 1

monitor GG muscle activity through EMG signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromyography (EMG):

Implementation Method 2

delivering closed-loop neuromodulation to the hypoglossal nerve for real-time muscle activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250249244A1System and method for peripheral nerve stimulation

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 NEUROSOMNICS INC

AI summary

Obstructive sleep apnea from blockage of the upper airway can result in significant health issues. Described herein is an intelligent personalized closed loop neuromodulation system and methods to prevent backwards movement of the genioglossus muscle through stimulation of certain branches of the hypoglossal nerve and muscle motor points, by using muscle feedback from electromyogram sensors to provide optimal stimulus. Alternative embodiments to treat neuropathic pain and urinary dysfunction are enclosed.