Pneumatic Stimulation System for Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for sleep apnea, such as CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices, often come with complications like bite changes, TMJ disorders, and discomfort, while other methods like eXciteOSA and surgery are invasive or have limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic stimulation system that delivers pulses of oxygenated air to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway, using a flow device, patient interface, and controller that adjusts flow rates based on sensor data to enhance patient compliance and reduce sleep apnea incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP machines are used to treat sleep apnea, then airway pressure is maintained, but patient comfort deteriorates due to mask wear and continuous pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering gas in pulsed sequences rather than continuous flow. The controller delivers a plurality of gas pulses to the patient interface, with each pulse consisting of multiple gas deliveries separated by intervals. This periodic delivery pattern maintains airway stimulation effectiveness while reducing overall gas flow and improving patient comfort compared to continuous CPAP pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous pressure requirement from traditional CPAP treatment. Instead of maintaining constant positive airway pressure through continuous gas flow, the system extracts only the essential function of airway stimulation by delivering intermittent pulsed gas flows. This removes the burden of continuous mask wear and pressure application while preserving the therapeutic benefit of preventing airway collapse.
2Reliability
If mandibular advancement devices are used, then airway obstruction is reduced, but dental health deteriorates due to bite changes and TMJ disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of mandibular advancement devices with a pneumatic stimulation system. Instead of physically moving the jaw forward through mechanical force applied to dental structures, the system uses gas pulses delivered to the nasal passages to stimulate the upper airway and prevent obstruction. This substitution eliminates contact with dental structures, avoiding bite changes and TMJ disorders while maintaining airway patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas pulses as an intermediary medium to achieve airway opening. Rather than directly applying mechanical force to the jaw or tongue through dental devices, the system uses gas flow as an intermediary to stimulate the upper airway and promote airway patency. This indirect approach avoids the harmful mechanical effects on dental structures while achieving the same therapeutic goal.
3Reliability
If eXciteOSA or surgery is used, then tongue muscle strength or airway structure is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the patient's own respiratory system to deliver the therapeutic effect. The gas pulses are delivered through the patient's existing nasal passages and upper airway structures, utilizing the body's natural anatomy and physiology. This eliminates the need for external invasive devices implanted in the body, as the treatment works through the patient's own respiratory tract to stimulate tongue and airway muscles without surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatics to deliver therapy non-invasively. Gas pulses are delivered through tubing and a patient interface that interfaces with the nasal passages, using pneumatic pressure to stimulate the upper airway and tongue muscles. This pneumatic approach replaces invasive surgical or implantable electrical stimulation devices, achieving airway improvement through non-invasive gas delivery.
4Reliability
If traditional treatments are used, then sleep apnea is treated, but treatment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a gas delivery system that can serve multiple functions. The same gas delivery mechanism that provides respiratory support also delivers therapeutic pulses for airway stimulation. The controller manages both continuous base flow and pulsed therapeutic flow through a single system, eliminating the need for separate devices for different treatment modalities and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 system effectively reduces sleep apnea events and maintains stable SpO2 levels, improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes with a simpler, more patient-friendly approach compared to traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic stimulation system that delivers pulses of oxygenated air to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway
Implementation Method 2
a controller operably connected to the flow/pressure generation device, and configured to receive sensor data from at least one sensor, and to control a flow rate of a gas from the flow/pressure generation device to the patient interface based at least in part on the sensor data
Implementation Method 3
The system effectively reduces sleep apnea events and maintains stable SpO2 levels, improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic stimulation system, comprising: a flow device; a patient interface fluidly coupled to the flow/pressure generation device via at least one conduit; a controller operably connected to the flow device, and configured to receive sensor data from at least one sensor, and to control a flow of a gas from the flow device to the patient interface based at least in part on the sensor data.