Patent ID: 8359108
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use with a patient having a mouth and a tongue, the apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to generate a signal indicating at least one of (a) a position of the tongue relative to the sensor, and (b) a position of the tongue in the patient's mouth; one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimuli to the patient that causes the tongue to move to a different position; and a controller connected to the sensor and the one or more electrodes, the controller being configured to provide the electrical stimuli to the one or more electrodes for delivery to the patient based on the signal generated by the sensor, wherein the controller provides the electrical stimuli when the signal generated by the sensor indicates (i) the tongue is in an undesired position relative to the sensor, or (ii) the tongue is in an undesired position in the patient's mouth, or (iii) both.