US5146918A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Demand apnea control of central and obstructive sleep apnea
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1991-03-19
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Granted: 1992-09-15
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Expires: 2011-03-19
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for the control of both central and obstructive sleep apnea using electrical stimulation on a demand basis. Implantable sensors monitor the respiration cycle and determine the occurrence of apnea events. Central apnea is sensed by the passage of an escape interval of time without the sensing of an inspiratory event and a concurrent decrease in blood oxygen saturation. Obstructive sleep apnea is sensed as an abnormal pressure differential across the airway. The diaphragm is electrically stimulated upon sensing of central apnea. The musculature of the upper airway is electrically stimulated upon sensing of an occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea. Stimulation of the upper airway is provided whenever central apnea is sensed.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Kallok
- 👤 H. Toby Markowitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 03:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/3601
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus comprising: a. first means for sensing a central apnea event; b. first means responsibly coupled to said first sensing means for providing stimulation to a diaphragm of a patient in response to sensing of said central apnea event; c. second means coupled to said first sensing means for sensing an obstructive apnea event; and, d. second means coupled to said second sensing means for generating electrical stimulation of muscles of said patient in response to sensing by said second sensing means of said obstructive apnea event.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus comprising: a. first means for sensing a central apnea event; b. first means responsibly coupled to said first sensing means for providing stimulation to a diaphragm of a patient in response to sensing of said central apnea event; c. second means coupled to said first sensing means for sensing an obstructive apnea event; and, d. second means coupled to said second sensing means for generating electrical stimulation of muscles of said patient in response to sensing by said second sensing means of said obstructive apnea event.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first sensing means further comprises a pressure sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said second sensing means comprises a pressure sensor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first sensing means further comprises a first threshold circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said second sensing means further comprises a second threshold circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first sensing means comprises a means for measuring blood oxygen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said measuring means comprises a reflectance oximeter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first sensing means comprises means for determining a plurality of conditions related to apnea.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said determining means comprises an oximeter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said determining means comprises a pressure sensor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said determining means comprises a nerve electrode.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of treating a patient comprising: a. sensing pressure within an upper airway of said patient; b. assuming a central apnea event if said pressure does not reach a first threshold within a predetermined period of time; c. electrically stimulating a diaphragm of said patient in response to said central apnea event assumption; d. assuming an obstructive apnea event if said pressure reaches a second threshold; and, e. electrically stimulating muscles of said patient in response to said assuming said obstructive apnea event.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of treating a patient comprising: a. sensing pressure within an upper airway of said patient; b. assuming a central apnea event if said pressure does not reach a first threshold within a predetermined period of time; c. electrically stimulating a diaphragm of said patient in response to said central apnea event assumption; d. assuming an obstructive apnea event if said pressure reaches a second threshold; and, e. electrically stimulating muscles of said patient in response to said assuming said obstructive apnea event.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-15 | 1996-03-16 | 1996-09-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-15 | 2000-03-16 | 2000-09-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-15 | 2004-03-16 | 2004-09-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |