Wireless Implantable Electrodes for Sleep Apnea Airway Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, such as surgery and CPAP machines, are invasive or uncomfortable, and existing electrical stimulation techniques are not sufficiently efficacious, necessitating a minimally-invasive treatment.
Innovation Solution
Implantable electrodes are positioned near nerves like the hypoglossal nerve to deliver targeted electrical signals wirelessly powered by a remote device, stimulating muscles to maintain upper airway patency, with real-time feedback and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical techniques are used to treat OSA, then upper airway patency is improved, but patient comfort and invasiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical interventions with electrical stimulation delivered through implanted electrodes. The electrodes stimulate the hypoglossal nerve and related muscles electrically rather than requiring physical removal or repositioning of tissues, thereby maintaining airway patency while avoiding the invasiveness of surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external power delivery device as an intermediary that wirelessly transmits power to the implanted electrodes. This allows the stimulation system to function without requiring invasive battery implants or wired connections, reducing the invasiveness while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Reliability
If CPAP machines are used to treat OSA, then upper airway patency is maintained, but patient comfort and compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airway support function from the external CPAP machine and relocates it to an implanted electrical stimulation device. This eliminates the need for external masks, tubing, and pressurized air delivery systems that cause discomfort and reduce compliance, while maintaining the therapeutic effect of keeping the airway open.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted electrodes provide automatic electrical stimulation to maintain airway patency without requiring patient intervention or adjustment. The system operates autonomously based on programmed parameters, eliminating the need for patient interaction with external equipment and thereby improving compliance.
3Ease of operation
If existing electrical stimulation techniques are used, then tongue movement is improved, but treatment efficacy and invasiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional electrode system that can stimulate multiple nerves and muscles simultaneously, including the hypoglossal nerve, genioglossus muscle, and other upper airway structures. This comprehensive stimulation approach improves treatment efficacy by addressing multiple sites of airway collapse, while the percutaneous implantation method maintains ease of application.
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 system effectively maintains upper airway patency by minimizing discomfort and reducing the need for invasive procedures, improving sleep quality and reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
Representative power delivery devices include a mouthpiece, a device worn in a collar or other neck clothing forms, and/or an adhesive skin-mounted device
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable electrodes with power delivery wearable for treating sleep apnea, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes non-implantable signal generator worn by the patient and having an antenna that directs a mid-field RF power signal to an implanted electrode. The implanted electrode in turn directs a lower frequency signal to a neural target, for example, the patient's hypoglossal nerve. Representative signal generators can have the form of a mouthpiece, a collar or other wearable, and/or a skin-mounted patch.