Patent ID: 8751005
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue, the method comprising: implanting an electrode having a plurality of contacts into the patient to electrically couple the plurality of contacts to a Hypoglossal nerve of the patient; implanting an implantable pulse generator (IPG) into the patient, the IPG being electronically coupled to the electrode; programming the IPG, independent of a timing of respiration, to assign each contact to one of a plurality of functional groups, deliver at least two electric signals to the plurality of functional groups in a sequence or interleaving pattern, each contact pulses sequentially in a nearly continuous pattern to share the stimulation load of the contacts; and applying the at least two electric signals via the plurality of contacts to at least two targeted motor efferent groups located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least two muscles of the tongue.