Single-incision Implantable Device for Sleep Disordered Breathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) often fail to effectively manage the condition, particularly in cases where external breathing therapy devices and surgical interventions are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable devices and methods that minimize the number of incisions required for implantation, allowing for chronic implantation of sensing and stimulation elements via a single implant-access incision, and using central nervous system (CNS) information, such as EEG data, to inform treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple incisions are made for implanting different elements (sensing, stimulation, power), then complete functionality can be achieved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing elements, stimulation elements, and power/control elements into a single integrated implantable device that can be implanted through one incision site. This merging of previously separate components into a unified system reduces the number of surgical incisions required while maintaining all necessary functions for SDB treatment and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal platform that performs sensing, stimulation, and power control functions simultaneously. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate implants, thereby reducing surgical trauma and recovery time while achieving complete functional capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single incision is used for implanting multiple elements, then patient trauma is reduced, but surgical precision and element placement accuracy become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the implantable device into distinct functional modules (sensing elements, stimulation elements, power/control elements) that can be independently positioned and configured within the single implant site. This segmentation allows for precise placement of each component while maintaining the benefit of a single incision, as each module can be optimized for its specific function during the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If external breathing therapy devices are used, then treatment can be initiated, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient for many patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical breathing therapy devices with an implantable neurostimulation system that directly stimulates the nervous system to regulate breathing. This substitution moves the treatment from external mechanical intervention to internal neural modulation, providing more effective treatment for patients who have not responded to external therapies while maintaining ease of operation through automated neural control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and/or method to provide sleep disordered breathing (SDB) care includes an implant-access incision and/or a sensing element.