Oropharyngeal Fat Cryolysis for Airway Obstruction Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as surgical interventions and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), are invasive, uncomfortable, or provide limited relief, while cryolitic treatments non-selectively damage tissues and cause complications.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive approach using adipose cryolysis to selectively target and reduce adipose tissue in the oropharyngeal areas responsible for OSA, employing cooling devices with engagement members and temperature control to preserve surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical correction (glossectomy) is used to remove tongue tissue, then the airway obstruction is relieved, but severe bleeding, abscess formation, and inability to move the tongue anterior enough occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes only the problematic adipose tissue from the tongue base through a small incision, rather than performing extensive glossectomy. This selective extraction relieves airway obstruction while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, thereby reducing complications like severe bleeding and abscess formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure applies local quality by targeting only the specific region where adipose tissue causes obstruction at the tongue base, rather than removing large portions of the tongue. This localized approach preserves the functional integrity of the tongue while effectively treating the obstruction.
2Reliability
If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is applied to overcome collapsing soft tissue, then breathing is maintained, but the patient experiences discomfort, stuffy nose, claustrophobia, skin irritation, pressure sores, and dry mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by surgically removing the excess adipose tissue that causes airway collapse during sleep. By addressing the root cause beforehand, the procedure eliminates the need for ongoing CPAP therapy and its associated discomforts, while maintaining reliable breathing during sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure converts the harmful effect of excess adipose tissue causing airway collapse into a benefit by removing the tissue. This transforms the problem of tissue obstruction into a solution where the removed tissue prevents future breathing issues without requiring continuous mechanical intervention.
3Quantity of substance
If adipose cryolysis is used to selectively target submucosal adipose tissue, then tissue volume is reduced, but non-selective cooling damages muscle and nerve tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using controlled cooling that selectively targets only the adipose tissue layer while sparing underlying muscle and nerve tissues. The cooling is localized to the submucosal fat deposits and does not penetrate deep enough to damage critical structures, achieving selective tissue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure utilizes parameter changes by controlling the temperature and duration of cooling to achieve selective adipose tissue destruction. By maintaining cooling parameters within specific ranges, the procedure destroys fat cells while preserving the viability of muscle and nerve tissues that are more sensitive to extreme temperatures.
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
Effectively reduces obstructive sleep apnea symptoms by selectively eliminating adipose tissue without damaging muscle or nerve function, offering a more comfortable and durable solution than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
adipose cryolysis is the use of cold to selectively target the submucosal adipose tissue, leading to a reduction in tissue volume via the removal of effected fat cells
Implementation Method 2
When the adipocytes are exposed to temperatures below −15° C., necrosis occurs
Implementation Method 3
an insulator sized, shaped, and configured to contact a second side of the soft palate opposite the first side, the insulator being configured to protect tissues beyond the soft palate from cryo therapy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.