Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the 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. In one embodiment, 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. A passive probed is provided in the patient to focus the magnetic field produced by the coil.

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 for diagnosing a breathing disorder of a patient that includes a first sensing system that determines a dimension, such as cross-sectional area, of a portion of the patient's airway and an internal load determination system that determines an internal load on the airway. A processing system receives the output from the first sensing system and the internal load determination system and determines a compliance curve that corresponds to a relationship between the measured dimension and a plurality of internal loads on the patient's airway. The processing system also determines at least one characteristic associated with the compliance curve. This characteristic is indicative of a likelihood that the patient suffers from a breathing disorder.

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 apparatus for diagnosing a breathing disorder of a patient that includes a first sensing system that determines a dimension, such as cross-sectional area, of a portion of the patient's airway and a second sensing system that determines an internal load on the airway. A processing system receives the output from the first and second sensing systems and determines a compliance curve that corresponds to a relationship between the measured dimension and a plurality of internal loads on the patient's airway. The processing system also determines at least one characteristic associated with the compliance curve. This characteristic is indicative of a likelihood that the patient suffers from a breathing disorder.