Topical Nerve Stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are either invasive, cumbersome, or require complex equipment like CPAP machines or surgically implanted devices, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for patients.
Innovation Solution
A topical nerve stimulator/sensor (TNSS) system that uses externally applied electrical stimulation to detect and treat OSA through a non-invasive, portable device that can be wirelessly controlled, providing electrical stimulation to nerves in the neck and jaw area to maintain airway patency without the need for surgery or bulky equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP machines or surgically implanted devices are used to treat OSA, then airway patency is maintained, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical CPAP systems with an electrical nerve stimulation system. The TNSS delivers electrical impulses to the hypoglossal nerve, which triggers muscular contraction to maintain airway patency, substituting mechanical air pressure with electrical neuromodulation for a simpler, more elegant solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and stimulates the specific neural pathway (hypoglossal nerve) responsible for airway muscle control, isolating the key control mechanism from the entire respiratory system. This allows targeted intervention without requiring complex system-wide management like CPAP machines.
2Reliability
If CPAP machines or surgically implanted devices are used to treat OSA, then airway patency is maintained, but patient comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cumbersome mechanical CPAP interface with a minimally invasive electrical stimulation approach. The TNSS uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation through adhesive electrodes, eliminating the need for bulky masks and complex tubing, thereby significantly improving patient comfort and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The TNSS employs thin adhesive electrodes and flexible contact surfaces that conform to the patient's skin, providing a comfortable, minimally intrusive interface compared to rigid CPAP masks. This flexible, skin-friendly design enhances ease of operation and patient acceptance.
3Reliability
If surgically implanted devices are used to treat OSA, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness and surgical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical implantation with non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation. The TNSS delivers therapeutic electrical impulses through skin-contact electrodes, achieving the same neuromodulation effect without surgical incisions, tissue disruption, or implantation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the skin and subcutaneous tissue as an intermediary medium for electrical stimulus delivery, allowing the TNSS to bridge the gap between external electrical sources and internal nerves without direct surgical access. This intermediary approach enables safe, non-invasive treatment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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 TNSS system effectively reduces OSA symptoms by stimulating muscles to keep the airway open, improving sleep quality and reducing oxygen desaturation, offering a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
uses externally applied electrical stimulation to detect and treat OSA
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”) of a user includes affixing a patch externally on a dermis of the user, the patch including a flexible substrate, an adhesive on a first side adapted to adhere to the dermis of the user, a processor directly coupled to the substrate, and electrodes directly coupled to the substrate. The treatment includes detecting an occurrence of OSA and activating the patch in response to the detecting, the activating including generating an electrical stimuli via the electrodes to activate the genioglossus muscle of the user.