| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080200966 | Simulator For Use With a Breathing-Assist Device - Function testing of a ventilator using an EMG or other bioelectric signal representative of the breathing of the patient to control ventilation is enabled by a simulating device for use with a breathing related device for monitoring and/or controlling a patient's breathing, the simulating device including a signal generator for providing a simulated bioelectric compound signal related to the patient's breathing function, and a contact for outputting the simulated bioelectric compound signal. The simulating device can also be used for training purposes and in the development of new ventilators. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080208280 | Equine Airway Disorders - Airway disorders in a horse are relieved by electrical stimulation of the airway tissue. Particular disorders and techniques include electrical stimulation to relieve laryngeal hemiplegia. A pacemaker processor generates an electrical treatment signal to be applied to upper airway tissue of the horse for treating the upper airway disorder. One or more stimulation electrodes interfaces with the upper airway tissue for delivering the treatment signal to the upper airway tissue. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208281 | Device and method for biasing and stimulating respiration - A device and method is provided for biasing lung volume by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve at a low level. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208282 | Device and method for the treatment of breathing disorders and cardiac disorders - The present invention is related to an implantable medical device for treating breathing disorders and cardiac disorders by delivering stimulation energy to the phrenic nerve, hypoglossal nerves and cardiac muscle tissues. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080269832 | Device and method for sleep apnea management using SpO2 - The present invention relates to an anti-sleep apnea device including two electrodes and a pulse oximeter, adapted to be disposed on the user's wrist for releasing electrical pulses to an acupoint of the user, and a method of monitoring and treating sleep-apnea, whereby monitoring occurs via a pulse oximeter and treatment occurs by providing electrical stimulation to specific acupoint on the user. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080275525 | Method and system for regulating respiration by means of simulated action potential signals - A method to regulate respiration generally comprising generating and transmitting at least one simulated action potential signal to the body that is recognizable by the respiratory system as a modulation signal. In a preferred embodiment, the simulated action potential signal includes a positive voltage region having positive voltage (V | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080288015 | Diaphragm stimulation device and method for use with cardiovascular or heart patients - A method for treating a patient is provided where a sensed cardiac rhythm is used to adjust electrical stimulation that is used to activate a diaphragm to cause contraction. A cardiac rhythm management device in combination with a diaphragm stimulation device is also provided which includes a cardiac stimulation device configured to provide stimulation to control cardiac rhythm of a subject; and an electrical stimulation device configured to provided electrical stimulation to a subject to activate a diaphragm to increase functional residual capacity of the subject. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080306570 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING PULMONARY CONDITIONS - An apparatus for positioning at a target site and for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject includes a fluid exchange catheter for insertion into a tracheo-bronchial tree and an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter. At least a portion of the inflatable balloon is for engaging a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery mechanism operably coupled to the inflatable balloon. The energy delivery mechanism includes at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090030477 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER BASED ON IMPEDANCE DETECTION, SUCH AS CONTROLLING POWER TO TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICES - A system and method of controlling the application of energy to tissue using measurements of impedance are described. The impedance, correlated to the temperature, may be set at a desired level, such as a percentage of initial impedance. The set impedance may be a function of the initial impedance, the size and spacing of the electrodes, the size of a targeted passageway, and so on. The set impedance may then be entered into a PID algorithm or other control loop algorithm in order to extract a power to be applied to a treatment device. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090036947 | Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation System - A lead system and method of use for treating breathing disorders by the transvenous stimulation of the phrenic nerve. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090048640 | Mechanical, anatomical heart-pumping assist - A method of providing mechanical assistance to the onset of heart-pumping activity includes selecting anatomical structure adjacent the heart which may be stimulated to produce in the selected anatomical structure motion which may be delivered as driving force to the heart in relation to heart-pumping activity; control-stimulating that selected anatomical structure in a pre-determined timed relationship with respect to the normal, expected, heart-pumping onset; and by such stimulating, and utilizing the selected anatomical structure, drivingly assisting the heart-pumping onset activity. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090062882 | Method and apparatus for inspiratory muscle stimulation using implantable device - An inspiratory muscle stimulation system uses an implantable medical device to deliver stimulation to control diaphragmatic contractions for slower and deeper breathing, thereby conditioning and strengthening inspiratory muscles. In various embodiments, respiratory and/or cardiac performance are monitored for controlling parameters of the stimulation. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090099621 | RESPIRATORY STIMULATION FOR TREATING PERIODIC BREATHING - A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090118785 | METHOD OF IMPROVING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - A diaphragm pacing stimulatory method and a system to implement the method are provided to improve respiratory function and the quality of sleep in patients whose sleep is compromised by poor respiration. The diaphragm pacing method includes adaptations that make it particularly compatible with the onset of sleep and sustaining sleep. Embodiments of the method are operated independently of breathing effort the patient may make during sleep. Patients for whom the invention is appropriate include those with a neuromuscular disease, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). System elements include an external electrical stimulator coupled to one or more implanted electrodes that stimulate diaphragm contraction. The system and method provide for a pacing of the diaphragm, improved breathing, and improved sleep. Features of improved sleep include longer sleep time, an increased amount of REM sleep, and fewer episodes of wakefulness and restlessness. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090187231 | Electrical Treatment Of Bronchial Constriction - Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090216293 | APNEA PREVENTING STIMULATION APPARATUS - An apnea preventing stimulation apparatus in which a conductive unit is attached to a mental region of a patient and electric pulses conduct from the conductive unit to the mental region of the patient to thereby apply stimulation thereto. The apparatus includes a stimulus generating means that outputs, across output terminals of the conductive unit, stimulation signals which alternately repeat, for a preset time, a conduction period during which electric pulse groups comprising plural electric pulses are generated and a pause period during which no electric pulse groups are generated. Hence, without monitoring a respiratory condition during sleep, the upper airway obstruction can be quickly prevented. Further, as the stimulation signals can be applied to the patient irrespective of presence or absence of respiration of the patient, the patient hardly awakes by sensing the stimulation signals. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090281593 | Electrical Treatment Of Bronchial Constriction - Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20100036451 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100042178 | Electrical stimulation treatment of bronchial constriction - Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100042179 | Resuscitation device and method for resuscitation - The invention relates to a resuscitation device for humans. The resuscitation device is designed to provide resuscitating stimulation of the respiratory area of the human brain stem, preferably from a location distant from said respiratory area. The invention further relates to a method for providing a rescuscitating treatment to a human. Parameters are measured by a number of sensor means and processed by a processing means for providing a response by a number of stimulation means. The stimulation means are electrical, mechanical or chemical stimulation means. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100076518 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RELIEVING DYSPNEA - The present disclosure is directed generally to systems and methods for relieving dyspnea. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes receiving an input signal from a patient sensor, the input signal corresponding to an indication of the patient's breathing. The method can further include, based at least in part on the input signal, at least reducing the patient's sensation of dyspnea by delivering electrical stimulation to at least one electrode, the at least one electrode being positioned in signal communication with at least one of the patient's inspiratory muscles, expiratory muscles, afferent neural pathways of the inspiratory muscles, and afferent neural pathways of the expiratory muscles. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100094376 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND NERVES - Medical devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing respiratory therapy by electrically stimulating the phrenic nerves and/or the thoracic diaphragm. In one embodiment, at least one electrode is deployed to a position within the patient's airway and placed in proximity to a phrenic nerve or to the diaphragm. The electrode may be attached to a controller housing including a pulse generator using one or more electrical lead or leads or may be in wireless communication with the pulse generator. The controller housing may be implanted at a position within the patient or the controller housing may reside external to the patient. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100100150 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE STIMULATION - A method of treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient includes the steps of monitoring the patient for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the breathing cycle by sensing electroneurogram activity of a hypoglossal nerve of the patient; and electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve of the patient following each detection of the pre-inspiratory drive signal. An implantable apparatus for stimulating a hypoglossal nerve of a patient for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an electrode positioned at least partially around the hypoglossal nerve with a monitoring contact and a stimulation contact and a controller operatively coupled to the monitoring contact and the stimulation contact. The monitoring contact monitors the electroneurogram activity of the hypoglossal nerve for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the onset of inspiration and sends a signal to the controller which in turn causes the stimulating electrode to electrically stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100121406 | NEURAL STIMULATOR TO TREAT SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - Various aspects relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments include at least one sensor for use in detecting sleep disordered breathing, a pulse generator adapted to deliver a first electrical signal through at least one electrode to stimulate a neural target, and a controller adapted to communicate with the at least one sensor and with the pulse generator. The controller is adapted to detect sleep disordered breathing using the at least one sensor and provide a therapy for sleep disordered breathing in response to a detected apneic event. The therapy for sleep disordered breathing is adapted to deliver the first electrical signal through the at least one electrode to induce a cough reflex to terminate the apneic event. Various embodiments stimulate a superior laryngeal nerve, various embodiments stimulate a recurrent laryngeal nerve, and various embodiments stimulate a vagus nerve. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125310 | Method and Device For the Detection, Identification and Treatment of Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea - A method and device for treating sleep apnea and sleep hypopnea by monitoring respiratory-related activity from the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, interpreting these internal signals to detect and classify apnea events, and stimulating nerves or muscles to elicit appropriate corrective responses to adverse respiratory events. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100131028 | REMOTE SLEEP QUALITY DETECTING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A remote sleep quality detecting system and its method provide a portable detecting device for detecting an examinee's physical activity while the examinee is sleeping, analyzing a detected activity signal by a signal processing module to generate a statistical value, and comparing a result of the computed statistical value with a sleep state index to obtain sleep quality information, and then storing the activity signal and the sleep quality information in a storage unit. The system and method also provide a remote monitoring device including a sleep information reading module for providing a user interface, connecting the portable detecting device via the Internet and receiving the sleep quality information produced by the portable detecting device after a command from the portable detecting device is received, such that the examinee's sleep quality information can be examined from a remote location for a long term without disturbing the examinee's sleep. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131029 | METHOD OF TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA USING ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION - A method for treating a medical condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea, includes the step of stimulating a nerve, particularly the hypoglossal nerve, using at least one of the following techniques: (a) continuous low-level electrical stimulation; (b) electrical stimulation synchronized with a physical process, such as inspiration, without feedback from the nerve being stimulated; and (c) intermittent electrical stimulation at controlled intervals based on the patient's metabolism. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100174341 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100185253 | RESPIRATORY MUSCLE ACTIVATION BY SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - A method of electrically stimulating the inspiratory muscles in a subject is provided. The method includes positioning one or more electrodes at one or more levels of the upper thoracic spinal cord of the subject and operating the electrode to deliver high frequency electrical stimulation to the spinal cord tracts at the level or levels. The high frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord results in the coordinated activation of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and accessory muscles in the subject to effect artificial ventilation in the subject. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185254 | ELECTRONIC CONTINUOUS OR PERIODIC AIRWAY THERAPY (ECAT) FOR SLEEP -BREATHING DISORDERS - The intra-oral electronic therapy device includes a substrate to be positioned in a patient's mouth, a rechargeable battery carried by the substrate, and at least one hamular notch tissue contact electrode extending outwardly from the substrate to contact at least one hamular notch in the patient's mouth. A controller is carried by the substrate and cooperates with the rechargeable battery and the hamular notch tissue contact electrode to provide a predetermined electrical stimulation pattern to a hamular notch in the patient's mouth. A programming interface is carried by the substrate and coupled to the controller to permit programming of the predetermined stimulation pattern therein. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100198296 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF NEUROMODULATION TO EFFECT A FUNCTIONALLY RESTORATIVE ADAPTION OF THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM - Described herein are methods and systems for improving or adapting a breathing pattern of a patient with disordered breathing toward a more helpful state, as well as systems and devices for adapting breathing. These methods and systems may be used for improving sleep in patients with sleep disordered breathing and a system by which to implement devices for performing these methods. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100204747 | INTRA-ORAL ELECTRONIC THERAPY DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP-BREATHING DISORDERS, BRUXING DISORDERS, AND TMJ DISORDERS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The intra-oral electronic therapy device includes a substrate to be positioned in a patient's mouth, a rechargeable battery carried by the substrate, and at least one tissue contact electrode, e.g. a hamular notch contact electrode, extending outwardly from the substrate to contact at least one tissue area in the patient's mouth. A controller is carried by the substrate and cooperates with the rechargeable battery and the at least one tissue contact electrode to provide an electrical stimulation to the at least one tissue area in the patient's mouth. The substrate includes first and second thermoplastic layers sealing therebetween the rechargeable battery and controller. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100217347 | NEUROSTIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY DISORDERS - Uses of a neurostimulator to treat various conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergies is described. A neurostimulator may be used to modulate neural impulses into and out of the target organs, in this case the bronchi and other airway structures. Stimulation can be used to cause airway dilation and also to inhibit airway constriction. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100228315 | EXTERNAL DEVICE THAT CONTINUOUSLY MONITORS FOR OSDB AND DELIVERS AUDIO STIMULATION THERAPY - A physiological parameter measuring device ( | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228316 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating Anaphylaxis Using Electrical Modulation - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228317 | ADAPTIVE BAROREFLEX STIMULATION THERAPY FOR DISORDERED BREATHING - An approach to providing disordered breathing therapy includes delivering electrical stimulation therapy modifying a patient's baroreflex response. Disordered breathing therapy may be delivered in response to prediction or detection of disordered breathing events. Various conditions affecting the patient may be evaluated and the baroreflex therapy modified. The therapy may be modified to improve therapy efficacy, to reduce an impact to the patient and/or to mitigate therapy interactions. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228318 | Electrical Stimulation Treatment of Bronchial Constriction - Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100241188 | Percutaneous Electrical Treatment Of Tissue - Devices, systems and methods for applying electrical impulse(s) to one or more selected nerves in or around the carotid sheath are described. An electrode assembly is introduced through a percutaneous penetration in a patient to a target location adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the carotid sheath. Once in position, one or more electrical impulses are applied through the electrode assembly to one or more selected nerves to stimulate, block or otherwise modulate the nerve(s) and acutely treat the patient's condition. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100249874 | BAROREFLEX THERAPY FOR DISORDERED BREATHING - Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100286746 | APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS TO THE LUNG AS THERAPY FOR PULMONARY EDEMA - System and method of applying electric fields to a patient's lung(s) to reduce pulmonary edema. The system includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which is associated with the lung. The electric field can be controlled so as to modulate a level of fluid in the lung. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100312302 | RESPIRATORY TRIGGERED, BILATERAL LARYNGEAL STIMULATOR TO RESTORE NORMAL VENTILATION IN VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS - A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110060380 | RESPIRATORY RECTIFICATION - A means for treating breathing disorders by stimulating respiratory muscles or nerves to entrain respiratory systems while leaving respiratory drive intact. Embodiments of the invention employ frequency analysis to determine if appropriate stimulation energy is being applied. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060381 | System and Method for Conditioning a Diaphragm of a Patient - A method of conditioning a diaphragm of a patient is provided. The method can include the steps of implanting an electrode adjacent a target site in the diaphragm of the patient and operating the electrode to deliver a sufficient amount of electrical stimulation to the target site in the diaphragm of the patient to cause the diaphragm to contract. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110071591 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071592 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS USING ELECTRICAL MODULATION - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110093032 | Systems and methods for maintaining airway patency - Systems and methods according to the present invention use an electrical pulse generator system, which may be external to or implanted in an animal body, to provide therapeutically effective electrical stimulation to maintain or improve airway patency, such as to treat sleep apnea by the stimulation of target nerve(s) or their branches using one or more leads and one or more electrodes implanted in, on, around, or near the target nerve(s). Examples of a target nerves to be stimulated to maintain or improve upper airway patency, preferably through upper airway muscle reflex activation, are the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN), the glossopharyngeal nerve, and/or the trigeminal nerve, and/or any of the trunks, branches, or divisions of such nerves. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110112601 | SYSTEM FOR STIMULATING A HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF A PATIENT'S TONGUE - A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110125212 | HYBRID METHOD FOR MODULATING UPPER AIRWAY FUNCTION IN A SUBJECT - A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125213 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110152965 | Diagnosis and Prediction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - A tongue location monitoring system, including, one or more position circuits that respond to transmissions from a transceiver, a transceiver that transmits to the one or more position circuits, a control circuit coupled to the transceiver: wherein the control circuit determines the location of a person's tongue based on the responses of the position circuits; and wherein either the transceiver or the position circuits are implanted in the muscle of the person's tongue or placed on the tongue, and the latter is placed outside the person's head. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152966 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160794 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166619 | EAR STIMULATOR FOR PRODUCING A STIMULATION SIGNAL TO AN EAR - An electronic stimulation system to be worn in, behind or on a human ear having a casing; a detection device to sense breathing activity from a human being and to generate a detection signal; electronics within the casing and having a controller connected to the detection device to process the detection signal and generate a control signal when the controller has determined that the human being is in a state of developing apnoea; a stimulation device to receive the control signal from the electronics and to provide stimuli to one or more points of the human ear; wherein when the electronic stimulation system is worn in, behind or on the human ear, the stimulation device is pushed against a predetermined portion of the human ear. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110172733 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - Provided is an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator system for treating obstructive sleep apnea, comprising an implant having a top and a bottom layer, the bottom layer serving as an attachment mechanism such that the bottom layer of the implant encompasses the hypoglossal nerve and attaches to the top layer of the implant; a printed circuit board (PCB) attached to the top layer of the implant, the PCB having a first and a second opposing sides; a neural interface attached to the second side of the PCB; a core subsystem (CSS) attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the neural interface; and a radio frequency (RF) interface attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the CSS, wherein the implant is powered and controlled by an external programmable controller. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110178569 | STIMULATING CRANIAL NERVE TO TREAT PULMONARY DISORDER - Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110190845 | PORTABLE NEGATIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION DEVICE AND METHODS AND SOFTWARE RELATED THERETO - Featured is an apparatus an apparatus including a monitoring and sensing means, an electrode patch and a control device operably coupled to each of the sensing means and the electrodes and outputs signals to the electrodes for purposes of stimulating the phrenic nerve to thereby cause breathing by natural contraction of the diaphragm. The control device is configured and arranged to initially localize the phrenic nerve with respect to a given set of electrodes that is effective, when appropriately energized, for stimulating the phrenic nerve to establish negative pressure induced respiration in the body, based on the output signal(s) from the monitoring and sensing means. After such initially localizing; the control device thereafter repetitively outputs stimulation signals via the given set of electrodes so as to thereby continuously stimulate negative pressure induced respiration. Also featured are methods related thereto. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110196445 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110202106 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110213438 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OF A PATIENT - A system used for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes an implant having at least one electrode configured to deliver selective stimulation to particular fascicles of the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue and a controller coupled to the implant. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110230932 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INDEPENDENTLY STIMULATING HEMIDIAPHRAGMS - A device and method for treating a subject is provided where electrical stimulation may be separately provided to each hemidiaphragm to cause diaphragm contraction. Fatigue may be avoided among other possible benefits. Each hemidiaphragm may also be stimulated with different stimulation parameters. Stimulation may be smoothly transitioned between hemidiaphragms. Such stimulation may provide an increase in functional residual capacity or other therapeutic effects. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110264164 | METHOD OF TREATING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110288609 | THERAPEUTIC DIAPHRAGM STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110301664 | NEUROMODULATORY METHODS FOR TREATING PULMONARY DISORDERS - A method for treating asthma in a subject includes inserting a therapy delivery device into a vessel of a subject. The therapy delivery device is advanced to a point substantially adjacent an intraluminal target site of the autonomic nervous system. Next, the therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the intraluminal target site to treat the asthma. The intraluminal target site is in electrical communication with nervous tissue selected from the group consisting of a spinal nerve, pre- or post-ganglionic autonomic fibers, a sympathetic chain ganglion, a thoracic sympathetic chain ganglion, a cervical ganglion, a lower cervical ganglion, an inferior cervical ganglion, an intramural ganglion, a splanchnic nerve, an esophageal plexus, a cardiac plexus, a pulmonary plexus, an anterior pulmonary plexus, a posterior pulmonary plexus, a celiac plexus, a hypogastric plexus, an inferior mesenteric ganglion, a celiac ganglion, and a superior mesenteric ganglion. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110319958 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION - Devices, systems and instructing methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The instructing method for treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319959 | SYSTEM FOR NEURAL CONTROL OF RESPIRATION - A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of a central respiratory disease and to send signals to the sensing circuit. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120004701 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS USING ELECTRICAL MODULATION - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120010681 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120022609 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120029591 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE CAPACITIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND THEIR USE FOR VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION ON THE NECK OF A PATIENT - A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120065698 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TREATEMENT OF HYPOTENSION - The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120071946 | Methods And Apparatus For Treating Anaphylaxis Using Electrical Modulation - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120089199 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120109249 | MULTIMODE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING BREATHING - A device and method is provided for therapeutic stimulating, augmenting, manipulating and/or controlling breathing, in combination with stimulation of auxiliary respiratory nerves or muscles including the upper airway tract, chest wall muscles or abdominal muscles. Stimulation may be provided, for example, to augment breathing or to prevent closing of the upper airway during therapeutic stimulation. Stimulation may be also provided to the Hypoglossal nerve during exhalation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120123498 | SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT SYSTEM - An apparatus is provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The apparatus has an external device containing a breathing sensor to sense activity associated with breathing of a subject, and also containing a control unit, coupled to the breathing sensor, for generating a signal in response to anatomical activity associated with breathing. The apparatus also has a sublingual implant, containing a receiver, electrodes and circuitry, which wirelessly receives a signal from the external device and applies current to a sublingual muscle site in response to the signal, in a plurality of successive periods of inspiration, even in the absence of a detection of apnea by the external device. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120130445 | Coordinated Use of Respiratory and Cardiac Therapies for Sleep Disordered Breathing - Methods and systems involve coordinating therapies used for treating disordered breathing. Disordered breathing therapies may include cardiac electrical stimulation therapy and external respiratory therapy as well as other therapies for treating disordered breathing in a patient. The therapies delivered to the patient may be coordinated to enhance effectiveness of the therapy, to reduce therapy interactions, to improve patient sleep, or to achieve other therapeutic goals. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130446 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL STIMULATION WITH RESPIRATORY FEEDBACK - A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system synchronizes the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses to the respiratory cycles using a respiratory fiducial point in the respiratory signal and a delay interval. In another embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects a respiratory disorder and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected respiratory disorder. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120150255 | Adaptive Airway Treatment of Dorsal Displacement Disorders in Horses - An adaptive airway treatment system is described for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse. A pacemaker processor generates a dorsal displacement disorder treatment signal as a function of at least one therapy parameter. One or more stimulation electrodes are adapted to interface with tissue of the horse for delivering the treatment signal to continuously or intermittently stimulate soft palate tissue of the horse during an entire period of increased activity of the horse or for training prior to exercise. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120158091 | THERAPEUTIC DIAPHRAGM STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120197340 | Screening Devices and Methods for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy - Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120215278 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND NERVES - Medical devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing respiratory therapy by electrically stimulating the phrenic nerves and/or the thoracic diaphragm. In one embodiment, at least one electrode is deployed to a position within the patient's airway and placed in proximity to a phrenic nerve or to the diaphragm. The electrode may be attached to a controller housing including a pulse generator using one or more electrical lead or leads or may be in wireless communication with the pulse generator. The controller housing may be implanted at a position within the patient or the controller housing may reside external to the patient. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120232611 | APNEA PREVENTING STIMULATION APPARATUS - An apnea preventing stimulation apparatus having a conductive unit is attached to a mental region of a patient and electric pulses flow from the conductive unit to the mental region of the patient to thereby apply stimuli thereto. A formula is utilized to increase a rate of an output level of the amplitude in an electric pulse until a first time width elapses. Consequently, immediately after outputting stimulation signals, the amplitude of the electric pulse groups does not abruptly increase, thus enabling the patient to be hardly affected by the stimulation signals. Until just before the time reaches the end of a time width after the output start of the stimulation signal, the rate of the output level of the amplitude in the electric pulse groups does not reach 1, permitting the emotional strain on the patient to be eased. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120232612 | Methods And Apparatus For Treating Anaphylaxis Using Electrical Modulation - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120290036 | PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION DURING CARDIAC REFRACTORY PERIOD - A method includes estimating a cardiac signal of a patient, estimating a length of a cardiac refractory period based in part on the cardiac signal and selectively adjusting the length of phrenic nerve electrical stimulation to be delivered to the patient based on the estimated length of the cardiac refractory period. In some examples the method includes delivering phrenic nerve stimulation for approximately the entire refractory period. The phrenic nerve stimulation may be used to treat a variety of breathing disorders. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120323292 | SYSTEM FOR NEURAL CONTROL OF RESPIRATION - A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of a central respiratory disease and to send signals to the sensing circuit. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323293 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING DISORDERS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OR HEART - A device and method are provided to treat heart failure by stimulating to cause diaphragm contraction. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120330373 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING ASPIRATION DURING AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY - Some embodiments provide a method comprising delivering neural stimulation for a neural stimulation therapy according to a programmed schedule, detecting a swallow event, and responding to the detected swallow event by overriding the programmed schedule. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130013023 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130030495 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETECT SUBCEREBRAL ISCHEMIA - A medical device and associated method detect ischemia using stimulation delivered to induce respiration. A spontaneous breathing response to the stimulation-induced respiration is determined. Ischemia is detected in response to the spontaneous breathing response. The spontaneous breathing response is measured as a response to adjusting a parameter controlling the stimulation. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030496 | TRANSVENOUS METHOD TO INDUCE RESPIRATION - A system and method for delivering a nerve stimulation therapy determines whether a cardiac EGM signal can be sensed by a bipolar pair of electrodes selected from a number of electrodes positioned for stimulating a nerve. In response to not being able to sense a cardiac signal using the bipolar pair, stimulation of the nerve using a selected pair of the electrodes is enabled. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030497 | NERVE STIMULATOR FOR REDUCED MUSCLE FATIGUE - A system and associated method deliver a respiration therapy. Stimulation pulse trains are delivered to activate a first portion of a patient's diaphragm at an established intended induced respiration rate during a time interval. Stimulation pulse trains are delivered to activate a second portion of a patient's diaphragm at a second rate during the time interval, the second rate being different than the first rate. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030498 | BILATERAL PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION WITH REDUCED DYSSYNCHRONY - A system and associated method deliver a respiration therapy. Stimulation pulses are delivered to activate a right portion of a patient's diaphragm and to activate a left portion of a patient's diaphragm. A control processor determines dyssynchrony of a respiratory response to the stimulation pulses and adjusts a stimulation control parameter controlling the delivering of the stimulation pulses in response to dyssynchrony of the respiratory response. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130072999 | Systems and Methods for Determining a Sleep Disorder Based on Positioning of the Tongue - Devices and methods are disclosed that include an external unit comprising at least one processor. The processor may be configured to receive a signal indicative of tongue movement in a subject from an implant unit implanted in the subject, determine whether the tongue movement is representative of sleep disordered breathing, generate a modulation control signal to correct the sleep disordered breathing when the at least one processor determines an occurrence of sleep disordered breathing. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130079842 | NEURAL CONTROL OF CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus comprises a physiologic sensing circuit and a control circuit. The physiologic sensing circuit is configured to sense an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject. The control circuit includes a respiration monitor circuit and a therapy circuit. The respiration monitor circuit is configured to extract a respiration parameter from the respiration signal and detect that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The therapy circuit is configured to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079843 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FEEDBACK-BASED NERVE MODULATION - A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured to communicate with a circuit implanted in the subject within proximity to a tongue of the subject, wherein the circuit is in electrical communication with at least one electrode, receive a physiological signal from the subject via the circuit, and send a control signal to the implanted circuit in response to the physiological signal, wherein the control signal is predetermined to activate neuromuscular tissue within the tongue. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130085540 | Antenna Providing Variable Communication with an Implant - A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085541 | Devices and Methods for Delivering Energy as a Function of Condition Severity - A device for regulating energy delivery to an implanted circuit is disclosed. The device may include at least one implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes in electrical communication with the circuit. The at least one pair of implantable electrodes may be configured to modulate at least one nerve. The at least one implantable circuit may be configured deliver a signal to the at least one pair of implantable electrodes. The signal may have at least one of a power level or a duration determined based on a severity of a detected physiologic condition. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085542 | Apparatus and Method for Controlling Energy Delivery as a Function of Degree of Coupling - A device for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may include an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The device may further include a primary antenna associated with the at least one processor. The processor may be configured to determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085543 | Apparatus and Method for Extending Implant Life Using a Dual Power Scheme - A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured for electrical communication with a power source, and an antenna associated with the at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with an implant circuit located within the body of the subject, cause the implant circuit to receive power in a first power mode and in a second power mode, wherein a first level of power delivered in the first power mode is less than a second level of power delivered in the second power mode, and wherein during a therapy period, power delivery in the first mode occurs over a total time that is greater than about 50% of the therapy period. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085544 | Apparatus and Method to Control an Implant - A device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing configured to retain a battery, a primary antenna associated with the housing, and at least one processor in electrical communication with the battery and the primary antenna. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device during a treatment session of at least three hours in duration, wherein the primary signal is generated using power supplied by the battery and includes a pulse train, the pulse train including a plurality of modulation pulses. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085545 | Electrode Configuration for Implantable Modulator - A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085546 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT - Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130116743 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERAPIES OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR AND CARDIORENAL SYSTEM - A system and method for controlling respiration depth or respiration rate is provided. A bipolar pair of a plurality of electrodes is selected in a location for stimulating a phrenic nerve. Electrical stimulation is delivered through a medical electrical lead electrode proximate phrenic nerve tissue. Modulating respiration is elicited in response to electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130123878 | APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS TO THE LUNG AS THERAPY FOR PULMONARY EDEMA - System and method of applying electric fields to a patient's lung(s) to reduce pulmonary edema. The system includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which is associated with the lung. The electric field can be controlled so as to modulate a level of fluid in the lung. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130158625 | Respiratory Rectification - A means for treating breathing disorders by stimulating respiratory muscles or nerves to entrain respiratory systems while leaving respiratory drive intact. Embodiments of the invention employ frequency analysis to determine if appropriate stimulation energy is being applied. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130165989 | System and Method to Modulate Phrenic Nerve to Prevent Sleep Apnea - An implantable medical device for treating breathing disorders such as central sleep apnea wherein stimulation is provided to the phrenic never through a transvenous lead system with the stimulation beginning after inspiration to extend the duration of a breath and to hold the diaphragm in a contracted condition. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130190836 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130197601 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INDEPENDENTLY STIMULATING HEMIDIAPHRAGMS - A device and method for treating a subject is provided where electrical stimulation may be separately provided to each hemidiaphragm to cause diaphragm contraction. Fatigue may be avoided among other possible benefits. Each hemidiaphragm may also be stimulated with different stimulation parameters. Stimulation may be smoothly transitioned between hemidiaphragms. Such stimulation may provide an increase in functional residual capacity or other therapeutic effects. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130204314 | Sleep Apnea Control Device - Disclosed herein are various methods, systems, an apparatuses for determining appropriate situations to treat conditions such as sleep apnea. At appropriate times, treatment can be applied such as through electrical stimulation to a person (e.g., an electrical stimulation of a person's genioglossus muscle in response to detecting that the person is undergoing an obstructive sleep apnea precursor event). In exemplary embodiments, a sensor such as a microphone and/or motion sensor can be used to provide a processor with data to facilitate a determination by the processor as to whether an electrical stimulus should be applied. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130218230 | Method of Stimulating a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218231 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING A DIAPHRAGM OF A PATIENT - A method of conditioning a diaphragm of a patient is provided. The method can include the steps of implanting an electrode adjacent a target site in the diaphragm of the patient and operating the electrode to deliver a sufficient amount of electrical stimulation to the target site in the diaphragm of the patient to cause the diaphragm to contract. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130231713 | STIMULATION DESIGN FOR NEUROMODULATION - The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a burst mode stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder. The burst stimulus comprises a plurality of groups of spike pulses having a maximum inter-spike interval of 100 milliseconds. The burst stimulus is separated by a substantially quiescent period of time between the plurality of groups of spike pulses. This inter-group interval may comprise a minimum of 5 seconds. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130238049 | NON-INVASIVE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238050 | NON-INVASIVE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238051 | RESPIRATORY STIMULATION FOR TREATING PERIODIC BREATHING - A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238052 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - An approach to treating congestive heart failure includes monitoring pulmonary congestion. Monitoring pulmonary congestion includes sensing a physiologic parameter using a sensor implanted within the patient. The method further comprises delivering a congestive heart failure therapy using a stimulator implanted within the patient. Delivering the congestive heart failure therapy includes delivering electrical stimulation to the patient using the sensed parameter to control the congestive heart failure therapy. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238053 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF NEUROMODULATION TO EFFECT A FUNCTIONALLY RESTORATIVE ADAPTION OF THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM - Described herein are methods and systems for improving or adapting a breathing pattern of a patient with disordered breathing toward a more helpful state, as well as systems and devices for adapting breathing. These methods and systems may be used for improving sleep in patients with sleep disordered breathing and a system by which to implement devices for performing these methods. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130245711 | NON-INVASIVE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245712 | NON-INVASIVE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise-induced bronchospasm and post-operative bronchospasm. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that activate neural pathways to reduce the release of acetycholine from airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons within the brain of the patient. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to produce the bronchodilation. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253602 | METHODS FOR TREATING AIRWAYS - This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130261693 | SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT SYSTEM - Apparatus is provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea, including an external device ( | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130289648 | ENHANCED THERAPEUTIC STIMULUS SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289649 | BLOOD VOLUME REDISTRIBUTION THERAPY FOR HEART FAILURE - A first fluid status indicator of a pulmonary fluid status associated with pulmonary edema and a second fluid status indicator of a non-pulmonary fluid status can be used to provide an alert or to control a therapy for pulmonary edema. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130296964 | BREATHING DISORDER DETECTION AND THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method are provided for managing the treatment of a patient with respiratory disorders or symptoms. Respiratory parameters are sensed and recorded and communicated to an external device to provide information to a patient and/or provider for further treatment or diagnosis. Also respiratory disorders such as apnea or hypoventilation may be treated by electrically stimulating the diaphragm muscle or phrenic nerve in response to a sensed respiratory parameter or characteristic. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130325082 | APPARATUS THAT BROADCASTS SPECIFIC BRAIN WAVEFORMS TO MODULATE BODY ORGAN FUNCTIONING - Apparatus for collecting and broadcasting coded human or animal body waveforms. A contact can be placed on a portion of a body, which is designed to receive electrical signals. The electrical signal is converted into a readable format and is processed and stored in a computer. The electrical signal can be adjusted and rebroadcast into the body to modulate body organ functioning including, for example, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and other organ functioning. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140031889 | INTERNAL RESONANCE MATCHING BETWEEN AN IMPLANTED DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - A unit configured for implantation in a subject's body may include a carrier, an implantable circuit associated with the carrier, an antenna arranged on the carrier and configured to wirelessly receive energy from a location external to the subject's body and to provide at least a portion of the energy to the implantable circuit, and at least one component associated with the carrier for receiving energy from the implantable circuit. Wherein the implantable circuit and the antenna have an internal resonant frequency mismatched from an external resonant frequency of an external circuit, to account for resonance frequency variation as a result of implantation in the subject's body. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031890 | ELECTRICAL CONTACTS ON A MEDICAL DEVICE PATCH - A device for conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject may include a flexible carrier and an adhesive on a first side of the carrier. A coil of electrically conductive material may be associated with the flexible carrier. A mechanical connector may be associated with the carrier opposite the adhesive, wherein the mechanical connector is configured to retain a housing and permit the housing to rotate relative to the flexible carrier. At least one electrical portion may be associated with the carrier in a manner permitting electrical connection to be maintained between the flexible carrier and the housing as the housing is rotated. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031891 | INSERT TOOL FOR SELECTIVELY POWERING AN IMPLANT UNIT - An implant unit delivery tool is disclosed having an implant tool and an implant activator. The implant tool may be configured to retain an implant unit during an implantation procedure in which the implant unit is fixated to tissue. The implant activator may be associated with the implant tool. Additionally, the implant activator may be configured to selectively transfer power to the implant unit during the implantation procedure to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of a subject prior to final fixation of the implant unit to the tissue. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140107727 | Apparatus and Methods for Feedback Based Nerve Modulation - A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured to communicate with a circuit implanted in the subject within proximity to a tongue of the subject, wherein the circuit is in electrical communication with at least one electrode, receive a physiological signal from the subject via the circuit, and send a control signal to the implanted circuit in response to the physiological signal, wherein the control signal is predetermined to activate neuromuscular tissue within the tongue. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140128936 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR TREATING AIRWAYS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140135868 | NON-INVASIVE INTRAORAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) - A non-invasive, removable intraoral electrical Stimulator or Pacemaker system and method is described, for electrically-stimulating and re-establishing the tone in the upper pharyngeal dilator muscle, the genioglossus and base-of-tongue muscles, for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in human adults and young adults. The Stimulator system consists of an intraoral Stimulator device assembly with a rechargeable battery, an external (inductive) Recharger appliance and an external hand-held (inductive) Programmer appliance. The Stimulator device assembly is inserted into the mouth by the OSA patient before sleep time and is removed when awake or during normal activity and placed in the charging cradle of the Recharger appliance for recharging the device battery. The physician uses the hand-held Programmer appliance to determine and set the patient-specific stimulation therapy parameters in the device, at the patient's initial evaluation. The stimulation therapy is delivered either in an open loop configuration without regard to patient's respiration activity, or in a closed loop configuration synchronized to the patient's respiration detected by one or more sensors in the system. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140142652 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING BREATHING - The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140172040 | HEMODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT THROUGH ASYMPTOMATIC DIAPHRAGM STIMULATION - An implantable system, and methodology, for improving a heart's hemodynamic performance featuring (a) bimodal electrodes placeable on the diaphragm, out of contact with the heart, possessing one mode for sensing cardiac electrical activity, and another for applying cardiac-cycle-synchronized, asymptomatic electrical stimulation to the diaphragm to trigger biphasic, diaphragmatic motion, (b) an accelerometer adjacent the electrodes for sensing both heart sounds, and stimulation-induced diaphragmatic motion, and (c) circuit structure, connected both to the electrodes and the accelerometer, operable, in predetermined timed relationships to the presences of valid V-events noted in one of sensed electrical and sensed mechanical, cardiac activity, to deliver diaphragmatic stimulation. The circuit structure includes accelerometer-linked computer structure for enabling selective review, for later operational modifications, of stimulation-produced diaphragmatic motions, and in a modified form, may additionally include timing-adjustment substructure capable of making adjustments in the mentioned timed relationships. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140188185 | Screening Devices and Methods for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy - Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140200623 | Adaptive Airway Treatment of Dorsal Displacement Disorders in Horses - A method of using an airway treatment system for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse includes detecting an elevated activity level of the horse using one or more treatment sensors, generating a treatment signal based on the detected elevated activity level, using a pacemaker processor, to strengthen one or more muscles involved in displacing a laryngeal anatomical structure relative to an airway of the horse, and using one or more stimulation electrodes, configured to interface with tissue of the horse, to deliver the treatment signal to the tissue of the horse to maintain an unobstructed airway. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140236255 | Method of Stimulating a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140277252 | SLEEP-APNEA-TREATMENT SYSTEM THAT CHANGES THE TREATMENT PRESSURE OVER A PERIOD THAT BEGINS OR ENDS AT A SETTABLE TIME - A system includes an apparatus and a controller, according to an embodiment. The apparatus is configured to maintain an airway of a subject open while the subject is sleeping by applying to the airway a pressure having a magnitude, and the controller is configured to cause the apparatus to change the magnitude of the pressure over a period that begins at a settable start time. For example, the system can be configured to treat a subject's sleep apnea with positive or negative pressure, and to function as an alarm clock by beginning to change the pressure magnitude at a settable start time, and to continue changing the pressure over a period with a settable duration (or settable stop time) to gently awaken the subject by the end of the period. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140330332 | CONTROL METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ENERGY DELIVERY - Control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140336721 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140358189 | Device and Method for Snoring Detection and Control - A device for the treatment of snoring is provided. The device may include a flexible substrate configured for removable attachment to a subject's skin, a primary antenna disposed on the flexible substrate, an interface configured to receive a feedback signal that varies based upon a breathing pattern of the subject; and at least one processing device. The processing device may be configured to analyze the feedback signal and determine whether the subject is snoring based on the analysis of the feedback signal, and if snoring is detected, cause a hypoglossal nerve modulation control signal to be applied to the primary antenna in order to wirelessly transmit the hypoglossal nerve modulation control signal to a secondary antenna associated with an implant unit configured for location in a body of the subject. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140371809 | STIMULATING CRANIAL NERVE TO TREAT PULMONARY DISORDER - Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150018895 | ELECTROSTIMULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - Electric stimulation method and system for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Syndrome using an external actuator on the pharyngeal-laryngeal muscles. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150032177 | TRANSCUTANEOUS POWER CONVEYANCE DEVICE - Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device for conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject The device may include a flexible carrier, an adhesive on a first side of the carrier, a coil of electrically conductive material associated with the flexible carrier, and a mechanical connector extending from a second side of the carrier opposite the adhesive. The mechanical connector may be configured to be received by and retained by a receiver associated with a housing configured for mounting on the carrier. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032178 | NON-INVASIVE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The technology involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150039045 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR APPLYING STIMULATION IN TREATING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - A stimulation protocol determination system includes an input module and a selector module. The input module is provided to receive an indication of an upper airway flow limitation via sensed respiratory effort information. The selection module is provided to automatically select, based on the indicated upper airway flow limitation, a stimulation protocol. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039046 | BILATERAL FEEDBACK - Apparatus comprising (1) a breathing sensor, configured to detect a breathing-related factor of a subject; (2) at least a first electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective first hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a first electrical current to the first hypoglossal nerve; (3) at least a second electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective second hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a second electrical current to the second hypoglossal nerve; and (4) circuitry configured to, in response to a detected symmetry-related factor indicative of a degree of symmetry of the subject, configure at least one current selected from the group consisting of: the first current and the second current. Other embodiments are also described. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150119955 | System For Stimulating A Hypoglossal Nerve For Controlling The Position Of A Patient's Tongue - A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127061 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING ASPIRATION DURING AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY - Some embodiments provide a method comprising delivering neural stimulation for a neural stimulation therapy according to a programmed schedule, detecting a swallow event, and responding to the detected swallow event by overriding the programmed schedule. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150142075 | Sleep Apnea Control Device - Disclosed herein are various methods, systems, an apparatuses for determining appropriate situations to treat conditions such as sleep apnea. At appropriate times, treatment can be applied such as through electrical stimulation to a person (e.g., an electrical stimulation of a person's genioglossus muscle in response to detecting that the person is undergoing an obstructive sleep apnea precursor event). In exemplary embodiments, a sensor such as a microphone and/or motion sensor can be used to provide a processor with data to facilitate a determination by the processor as to whether an electrical stimulus should be applied. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148860 | Stimulation of a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's hypoglossal nerve, applying an electric signal through the electrode to the hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue at least until the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences are reduced from an initial level to a treatment level, and reducing the application of the electric signal while the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences remain generally at or below the treatment level. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148861 | SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT - Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for treating a subject for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The apparatus includes an implant, an imaging device, and a control unit. In response to a set of training images received from the imaging device, the control unit learns an association between a position of a head of the subject and OSA of the subject. In response to the association, the control unit establishes, for an OSA-related parameter, at least two distinct thresholds corresponding to respective different head positions. Subsequently, at a second time, the control unit selects a threshold that corresponds to the position of the subject's head, and if the value of the OSA-related parameter passes the selected threshold, treats the subject for OSA by driving the implant to apply current to an anatomical site of the subject. Other applications are also described. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150306384 | Respiration Sensors for Recording of Triggered Respiratory Signals in Neurostimulators - A respiration implant system for a patient with impaired breathing includes one or more temperature sensors configured for placement into an inner wall tissue along an airway passage of the patient and configured to measure temperature in the inner wall tissue in order to produce a temperature signal based on the measured temperature. The system further includes a pacing processor configured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to generate a respiration pacing signal based on the temperature signal that is synchronized with a breathing cycle of the patient and a stimulating electrode configured to deliver the respiration pacing signal from the pacing processor to respiration neural tissue of the patient to facilitate breathing in the patient. The respiration implant system may be used as a laryngeal pacemaker system. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150321008 | SCREENING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA THERAPY - Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150328451 | RESPIRATORY ABNORMALITY IMPROVEMENT APPARATUS - Provided is a respiratory abnormality improvement apparatus capable of effectively improving respiratory abnormality during sleep. The present invention is a respiratory abnormality improvement apparatus for applying a stimulus signal generated in a stimulus generating unit to a patient as an electric stimulus. Here, the apparatus includes a respiration detection unit for detecting a respiratory condition of the patient. Particularly, the stimulus generating unit is so configured that a first stimulus signal generated at a current level preset at a given time, and a second stimulus signal of a current level different from that of the first stimulus signal are generated as stimulus signals to an electrode member worn by the patient based on a detection signal from the respiration detection unit when the patient has been judged to be under a respiratory abnormality condition. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328452 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DYSPNEA, INCLUDING VIA ELECTRICAL AFFERENT SIGNAL BLOCKING - Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328455 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Selective Stimulation - An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150367136 | HYBRID COMMUNICATION CHANNEL FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus comprises a communication channel comprising a plurality of disparate sequential communication links configured to facilitate bi-direction communication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a programmer. A transceiver is configured to communicate with the programmer via a first communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A telemetry device is configured to communicate with the IMD via a second communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A third communication link communicatively couples the transceiver and the telemetry device. A power source is coupled to the transceiver and to the telemetry apparatus. An operational status of at least the first and second communication links can be individually determined in real-time. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160001072 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MODULATE PHRENIC NERVE TO PREVENT SLEEP APNEA - An implantable medical device for treating breathing disorders such as central sleep apnea wherein stimulation is provided to the phrenic never through a transvenous lead system with the stimulation beginning after inspiration to extend the duration of a breath and to hold the diaphragm in a contracted condition. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160030739 | METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160030740 | METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160059011 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT - Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160067485 | Adaptive Airway Treatment of Dorsal Displacement Disorders in Horses - A method of using an airway treatment system for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse includes generating a treatment signal configured to treat the dorsal displacement disorder, using a pacemaker processor, in order to continuously stimulate one or more muscles involved in displacing a laryngeal anatomical structure relative to an airway of the horse, and using one or more stimulation electrodes, configured to interface with tissue of the horse, to deliver the treatment signal to the tissue of the horse a period of hours every day to maintain an unobstructed airway. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160067491 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY TRANSVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a method of treating a respiratory or pulmonary condition in a patient by transvascular neuromodulation of an adrenal gland or neural structures that innervate the adrenal gland or components thereof. Methods also include implanting a controller in the patient to control delivery of a therapy signal to the patient's adrenal gland. The therapy signal can be an electrical and/or chemical signal. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160089540 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of treating a patient, comprising: sensing a biological parameter indicative of respiration; analyzing the biological parameter to identify a respiratory cycle; identifying an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle; and delivering stimulation to a hypoglossal nerve of the patient, wherein stimulation is delivered if a duration of the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle is greater than a predetermined portion of a duration of the entire respiratory cycle. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160106976 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - Method and device for the treatment of sleep apnea comprising a waterproof TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit built into a mouth guard appliance. The device consists of a battery, a flex circuit, a micro controller and TENS generator, and electrode pad areas. The TENS unit evokes muscle contraction and trains muscles to improve muscle strength. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160106977 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - An oral appliance is disclosed that provides electrical stimulation to a patient's tongue in a manner that prevents collapse of the tongue and/or soft palate during sleep. More specifically, the appliance may induce a reversible current or currents in a lateral direction across the tongue in a manner that shortens the patient's Palatoglossus muscle, which in turn pulls the patient's soft palate downward towards a base of the tongue and/or decreases a volume of the tongue. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160114159 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - An oral appliance is disclosed that provides electrical stimulation to a patient's tongue in a manner that prevents collapse of the tongue and/or soft palate during sleep. More specifically, the appliance may induce a reversible current or currents in a lateral direction across the tongue in a manner that shortens the patient's Palatoglossus muscle, which in turn pulls the patient's soft palate downward towards a base of the tongue and/or decreases a volume of the tongue. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160175587 | Stimulation of a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160184583 | Method of Stimulating A Hypoglossal Nerve For Controlling The Position of A Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160193468 | PATIENT CONTROL FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160199651 | Method for Adjusting a System for Stimulating a Hypoglossal Nerve | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160375241 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DYSPNEA, INCLUDING VIA ELECTRICAL AFFERENT SIGNAL BLOCKING - Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20180021586 | TRANSCUTANEOUS POWER CONVEYANCE DEVICE | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190143110 | STIMULATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220134095 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STRENGTHENING A RESPIRATORY MUSCLE - This disclosure describes methods and systems for stimulating a respiratory muscle of a patient. The methods herein may include positioning a stimulator adjacent a nerve capable of activating the respiratory muscle; activating the stimulator to cause the respiratory muscle to contract; and ceasing the activation of the stimulator for a period of time. The level and the time of the stimulation may be adjusted for various applications. One or more of the steps in the methods may be repeated. The systems herein may include a stimulator for positioning adjacent a nerve capable of activating the respiratory muscle; a signal generator for providing stimulation energy to the stimulator; a sensor for detecting a response of the respiratory muscle to the stimulation energy; and a controller programmed to control the signal generator for providing stimulation with desired level and time. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220134101 | SLEEP APNEA THERAPY - A system for sleep apnea treatment includes an implantable medical device (IMD) coupled to a first lead and a second lead, wherein the IMD comprises a processor and stimulation circuitry, and wherein the processor is configured to cause the stimulation circuitry of IMD to: transmit a first stimulation signal to the first lead to stimulate at least one of an ansa cervicalis, a glossopharyngeal nerve, tensor veli, levator veli, and digastric anterior of a patient, and transmit a second stimulation signal to the second lead to stimulate at least one a hypoglossal nerve or a phrenic nerve of the patient. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220134102 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODES WITH REMOTE POWER DELIVERY FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - 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. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220134103 | SENSORS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING RESPIRATION - The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the IMU is configured to detect chest and/or abdominal movement by a patient during the inspiration and expiration stages of a respiratory cycle and to generate positional data based on the detected movement. Positional data generated by the IMU is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea. | 05-05-2022 |
