Tongue Stabilization Implant Using Electroactive Polymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, such as CPAP devices and surgical procedures, are not entirely effective and come with side effects, necessitating the development of additional treatment options.

Innovation Solution

An airway implant device with a deformable element, such as an electroactive polymer (EAP) element, that adjusts the airway opening by changing its shape in response to electrical stimulation, and a tongue implant with anchoring and control mechanisms to stabilize the tongue, preventing airway collapse during sleep.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CPAP devices are used to treat sleep apnea, then airway patency is maintained during sleep, but the patient experiences nasal irritation, facial skin irritation, abdominal bloating, mask leaks, sore eyes, and headaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patencyVSAvoidnasal irritation, facial skin irritation, abdominal bloating, mask leaks, sore eyes, and headaches

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP system with an electromagnetic field-based implant. The implant uses an electromagnetic coil to generate an electromagnetic field that directly acts on the tongue muscles to maintain airway patency, eliminating the need for masks and pressure apparatus that cause side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field as a mediator between the control system and the tongue muscles. The electromagnetic field serves as a non-contact intermediary that transmits energy to stimulate muscle contraction and maintain airway opening without direct mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If surgical procedures are used to increase airway size, then airway patency improves, but the procedures are not completely successful and carry risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patencyVSAvoidsurgical risks and incomplete success

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static surgical modifications to a dynamic, controllable electromagnetic stimulation system. The implant can be activated and deactivated, and the stimulation intensity can be adjusted, allowing the airway to be dynamically maintained in an open state without permanent structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the tongue muscles through electromagnetic stimulation. By applying electromagnetic fields, the muscle tissue's electrical properties are altered to enhance contraction and maintain tone, providing a non-permanent but controllable solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dental appliances reposition the lower jaw and tongue, then mild to moderate sleep apnea is helped, but the devices are not effective for severe cases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patencyVSAvoideffectiveness across different severity levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the airway support function into multiple independent electromagnetic stimulation zones. Different coils can be activated independently to target specific muscle groups, allowing the system to adapt to different severity levels and provide customized treatment intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 airway implant device maintains appropriate airway opening to treat snoring and sleep apnea effectively, while the tongue implant stabilizes the tongue to prevent airway obstruction, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of apneic events.

Implementation Method 1

an electroactive polymer element that adjusts the airway opening by changing its shape in response to electrical stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

a deformable element that can be energized to stiffen and maintain the airway open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Data Source

PatentUS7909038B2Tongue stabilization device and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 MEDTRONIC XOMED INC

AI summary

An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The implant is an implant for stabilizing the tongue, the implant having an anchoring portion for securing a first end of the implant with the mandibula; a control portion connected with the anchoring portion, configured for selectively activating the implant; a flexible portion connected at its proximal end with the control portion, where the flexible portion has three-dimensional flexibility in a first state and where the flexible portion has a lesser three-dimensional flexibility in a second state, and where the flexible portion is selectively switchable between the first and second state by the control portion; an anchoring portion for connecting the implant with the base of the tongue connected with the flexible portion, and a latch mechanism coupled with the control portion and configured to maintain the flexible portion in either of the first and second states. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.