Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are inadequate, as existing methods like CPAP machines and hypoglossal nerve stimulation have limited success, and diaphragm stimulation can exacerbate airway closure, while central sleep apnea treatments are contraindicated for OSA due to the risk of further airway obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that stimulates the diaphragm or phrenic nerve to elicit a diaphragmatic response, providing supplemental lung volume, augmented ventilation, and improved gas exchange by manipulating lung volume, tidal volume, and respiratory patterns, using electrical or magnetic stimulation, with the goal of increasing functional residual capacity and reducing upper airway resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diaphragm stimulation is used to treat central sleep apnea, then breathing is induced where there is a lack of central respiratory drive, but airway closure is exacerbated by creating pressure that further closes the airway passage
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides preliminary diaphragmatic stimulation before the onset of apnea to increase lung volume and stabilize the airway, preventing airway collapse before it occurs rather than responding after collapse has happened
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator delivers periodic electrical pulses to the diaphragm at controlled frequencies and durations, creating rhythmic contractions that maintain lung volume without causing excessive pressure that would close the airway
2Reliability
If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used to control obstructive sleep apnea, then airway patency is maintained, but treatment effectiveness is limited and does not provide satisfactory results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP system with an electrical/phrenic nerve stimulation system that activates the diaphragm through electrical impulses, substituting a passive mechanical pressure approach with an active physiological stimulation approach
Solution Approach 2:
The phrenic nerve stimulation device leverages the patient's own respiratory physiology and neuromuscular system to generate breathing efforts, allowing the body to serve itself rather than relying on external mechanical pressure support
3Reliability
If hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, then upper airway patency is attempted to be maintained, but satisfactory results are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to pull the tongue forward, the patent inverts the approach by stimulating the phrenic nerve to push the diaphragm downward, indirectly increasing upper airway patency through lung volume expansion rather than direct tongue manipulation
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 solution effectively reduces obstructive respiratory events, improves upper airway patency, stabilizes ventilation, and increases blood oxygen saturation by enhancing lung volume and ventilation, thereby providing a more effective treatment for OSA and related respiratory disorders.
Implementation Method 1
stimulation is provided to tissue of a subject to elicit a diaphragm response... electrical or magnetic stimulation
Implementation Method 2
electrical or magnetic stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided.