Patent ID: 6345202
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using an electrical stimulator controllable to provide electrical stimulation pulses in accordance with a regular stimulation pattern having a controlled rhythm comprising:(a) determining an approximate natural respiration cycle of a patient; (b) positioning electrodes in or on the patient at a location near the oropharynx muscles; and (c) applying an electrical stimulus to the electrodes from the electrical stimulator at a rate that approximates the rate of a natural respiration cycle, wherein the oropharynx muscles are stimulated to pull open obstructed airways at a rhythm that is the same as or close to the natural respiration cycle; wherein the respiratory rate of the patient is entrained to follow the rhythm of the electrical stimulator, whereby obstructed airways are kept open; and wherein the electrodes comprise part of an injectable microstimulator.