Patent ID: 8813753
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for sensing obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, comprising: attaching an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) sensor at one of a hard palate and a soft palate of an airway passage in an oral cavity of the patient; electrically coupling a transmitter device to the IPMC sensor; placing the transmitter device at a location away from the hard palate and the soft palate; generating an electrical output from the IPMC sensor when a change in a shape in the oral cavity occurs; transmitting a signal from the transmitter device which is based on the generated electrical output from the IPMC sensor; wherein the signal is transmitted by a wireless transmitter component of the transmitter device that is electrically coupled to the IPMC sensor and located away from the hard palate and the soft palate.