Implantable Respiratory Disorder Detection and Treatment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating and detecting respiratory disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are inadequate, particularly in maintaining upper airway patency during sleep and distinguishing between central and obstructive apnea events, with electrical stimulation techniques showing limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Implantable devices utilize afferent nerve stimulation to increase upper airway muscle tone, combining electrical and mechanical methods to prevent airway collapse, and employ implanted electrodes and acoustic transducers to detect respiratory disorders, distinguishing between open and closed airway events through impedance and airflow analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, then upper airway muscle tone can be increased, but the treatment effectiveness is limited and not convincing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a balloon element that can be positioned in the airway to provide mechanical support and prevent collapse. This intermediary structure works in conjunction with stimulation signals to enhance treatment effectiveness without requiring complex high-power electrical stimulation systems alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple treatment approaches into a single integrated system: electrical stimulation of respiratory muscles, mechanical support via balloon element, and positive pressure delivery. This merging of mechanisms addresses the limitations of electrical stimulation alone while providing a more comprehensive and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
2Measurement precision
If flow and effort sensors are used to detect respiratory disorders, then central and obstructive apnea can be discriminated, but detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent sensor components, each measuring specific parameters: flow sensors for airflow detection, effort sensors for respiratory muscle activity, impedance sensors for airway status, and acoustic sensors for sound analysis. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in detecting specific apnea characteristics, improving overall detection accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor detections are continuously monitored and used to adjust treatment delivery in real-time. The system uses feedback from flow, effort, and impedance sensors to distinguish between central and obstructive apnea events accurately, and automatically adjusts stimulation and pressure delivery accordingly, enhancing both detection precision and treatment responsiveness.
3Reliability
If baseline treatment is initiated when patient is asleep to increase background tone of upper airway muscles, then airway collapse can be prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by delivering stimulation in cyclic patterns rather than continuous delivery. The system provides baseline treatment during sleep with periodic stimulation pulses that maintain upper airway muscle tone without requiring constant energy input. Treatment intensity and frequency are modulated based on detected respiratory phase and apnea risk, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining airway patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters based on real-time sensor feedback. The baseline treatment level is not fixed but dynamically adapted according to patient state, sleep stage, and detected respiratory events. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain airway patency effectively while minimizing energy consumption by adjusting stimulation intensity and pressure support levels to match actual physiological needs.
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 maintains upper airway patency during sleep, reduces airway collapse incidents, and accurately discriminates between central and obstructive apnea events, providing improved detection and treatment of respiratory disorders.
Implementation Method 1
open and closed airway (also called, central and obstructive) apneic events are distinguished by a combination of implanted electrodes and acoustic transducers
Implementation Method 2
open and closed airway (also called, central and obstructive) apneic events are distinguished by a combination of implanted electrodes and acoustic transducers
Implementation Method 3
treatment of a respiratory disorder utilises afferent nerve stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for detection and treatment of respiratory disorders using implanted devices are described. In one form, afferent nerves are electrically or electro-mechanically stimulated to increase the tone of upper airway muscles. Detection of respiratory disorders is carried out using electrodes implanted in sub-pectoral regions. Open and closed airway apneas are distinguished using a combination of acoustic detectors and electrical transducers.