Implantable Sleep Apnea Stimulation Using Chest Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstructive sleep apnea treatments, such as positive airway pressure therapy, are not tolerated by some patients, and manual programming of hypoglossal nerve stimulation devices is complex and requires multiple visits, increasing the cognitive burden on users.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device with an accelerometer and processing circuit automatically detects obstructive respiratory events by comparing near-term and long-term chest acceleration data, allowing for context-specific stimulation parameters to be identified and applied, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimizing treatment efficacy across different body positions and sleep stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming of hypoglossal nerve stimulation devices is used, then treatment can be customized, but device complexity and user cognitive burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects respiratory events and determines optimal stimulation parameters without requiring manual programming by the user. The system self-adjusts therapy settings based on detected apnea/hypopnea events, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining personalized treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically modifies stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on detected respiratory event characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables treatment customization adapted to each patient's specific respiratory patterns without requiring manual programming complexity.
2Reliability
If manual programming requires multiple visits, then treatment optimization can be achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic detection and parameter optimization during a single initial visit, eliminating the need for multiple follow-up appointments. The system pre-configures and adjusts therapy parameters automatically during the first encounter, reducing total time required for treatment optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of repeated physician adjustments with an automated electronic detection and adjustment system. This substitution enables treatment optimization to occur automatically during a single visit rather than requiring multiple manual adjustment sessions.
3Ease of operation
If automated detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a single accelerometer sensor to perform multiple functions: detecting body position, measuring chest acceleration, identifying respiratory events, and triggering appropriate stimulation responses. This multi-functionality achieves automated detection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines detection, analysis, and control functions into a single integrated processing system within the implantable device. By merging these functions rather than separating them into distinct subsystems, the device achieves comprehensive automated detection while minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes capturing respiratory data and comparative respiratory data of a patient using a sensor of an implantable medical device, the respiratory data captured during a detection window and the comparative respiratory data captured during a comparative detection window at least partially preceding the detection window. The method further includes comparing the respiratory data to the comparative respiratory data. The method further includes detecting an obstructive respiratory event based on the comparison between the respiratory data and the comparative respiratory data.