Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the diagnosis and relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. A sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is accomplished by measuring the subject's compliance in the presence and absence of the magnetic stimulation of the upper airway muscles. The smaller the difference between these two compliance levels, the more likely that patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: An intraoral electromuscular stimulation device and method to treat a breathing disorder. The stimulation device includes a first electrode, a first support member that maintains the first electrode in a sublingual location posterior to a frenulum and proximate to one of a first molar, a second molar and a third molar of a patient. A second electrode is maintained in a sublingual position posterior relative to the first electrode by a second support member. A further embodiment of the stimulation device includes a sensor that detects a respiratory parameter of a patient and outputs a signal indicative thereof. A control unit receives the signal from the sensor, distinguishes between inspiration and expiration, and initiates an electrical stimulation at a stimulation time prior to onset of inspiration and continues stimulation through a portion of inspiration at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction without pain.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device. In a further embodiment, the operation of the pressure generating system is controlled based on the second information provided by the patient.

Abstract: An intraoral electromuscular stimulation device and method to treat a breathing disorder. The stimulation device includes a first electrode, a first support member that maintains the first electrode in a sublingual location posterior to a frenulum and proximate to one of a first molar, a second molar and a third molar of a patient. A second electrode is maintained in a sublingual position posterior relative to the first electrode by a second support member. A further embodiment of the stimulation device includes a sensor that detects a respiratory parameter of a patient and outputs a signal indicative thereof. A control unit receives the signal from the sensor, distinguishes between inspiration and expiration, and initiates an electrical stimulation at a stimulation time prior to onset of inspiration and continues stimulation through a portion of inspiration at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction without pain.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device.

Abstract: An intraoral electromuscular stimulation device and method to treat a breathing disorder. The stimulation device includes a first electrode, a first support member that maintains the first electrode in a sublingual location posterior to a frenulum and proximate to one of a first molar, a second molar and a third molar of a patient. A second electrode is maintained in a sublingual position posterior relative to the first electrode by a second support member. A further embodiment of the stimulation device includes a sensor that detects a respiratory parameter of a patient and outputs a signal indicative thereof. A control unit receives the signal from the sensor, distinguishes between inspiration and expiration, and initiates an electrical stimulation at a stimulation time prior to onset of inspiration and continues stimulation through a portion of inspiration at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction without pain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A pressure support system and method in which a gas flow generating system provides a continuous flow of breathing gas at selectable pressure levels. A patient circuit and interface communicate the continuous flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient. A controller causes the gas flow generating system to provide the continuous flow of breathing gas to the patient at a first pressure level P1 in an initial therapy session. Thereafter, the pressure level of the continuous flow of breathing gas is increased from the first pressure level P1 to a final pressure level P2 over a first predetermined number D of days. More specifically, in one embodiment, the pressure level is incrementally increased by a predetermined incremental amount &Dgr;p after n therapy sessions taking place on separate days over this first predetermined number D of days.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the diagnosis and relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. A sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is accomplished by measuring the subject's compliance in the presence and absence of the magnetic stimulation of the upper airway muscles. The smaller the difference between these two compliance levels, the more likely that patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: An intraoral electromuscular stimulation device and method to treat a breathing disorder. The stimulation device includes a first electrode, a first support member that maintains the first electrode in a sublingual location posterior to a frenulum and proximate to one of a first molar, a second molar and a third molar of a patient. A second electrode is maintained in a sublingual position posterior relative to the first electrode by a second support member. A further embodiment of the stimulation device includes a sensor that detects a respiratory parameter of a patient and outputs a signal indicative thereof. A control unit receives the signal from the sensor, distinguishes between inspiration and expiration, and initiates an electrical stimulation at a stimulation time prior to onset of inspiration and continues stimulation through a portion of inspiration at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction without pain.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying separate and independent gains to flow rates of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure (bi-level PAP) equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals.

Abstract: Improved methodology and apparatus for the treatment of sleep apnea through (1) application of alternating high and low level positive airway pressure within the airway of the patient with the high and low airway pressure being coordinated with the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, and (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus for assisting those patients whose mobility or capacity for physical exertion is intrinsically limited.

Abstract: A variably transmissive filter is comprised of a plurality of adjustable transmissive elements for receiving incident radiation. A circuit is responsive to the incident radiation for providing an indication of the intensity thereof. Another circuit adjusts the degree of transmission of the elements in response to the intensity of the incident radiation such that the amount of incident radiation transmitted through the elements is controlled.

Abstract: A phase controlled regulator for selectively connecting a load to an AC source voltage such that substantially constant power is delivered to the load despite fluctuations in the magnitude of the source voltage is comprised of a circuit for detecting the zero crossings of the AC source voltage. A circuit produces a reference signal representative of a periodically increasing value in response to the zero crossings of the AC source voltage. A sensor produces a first signal representative of the instantaneous value of the AC source voltage. A comparator compares the reference signal with the first signal and produces an output signal when a predetermined relationship exists therebetween. A switch is responsive to the output signal for selectively connecting the load to the AC source voltage.