Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position.

Abstract: A method of modifying properties of intrinsic tissue of an organ is provided. The method includes providing an organ, where a first electrode is disposed proximal to the organ first end. The first electrode has a surface area and insulator. A second electrode is disposed opposite the first electrode, where the organ is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode has surface area and surface insulator. An organ-shaping device is provided that is disposed on the organ between the electrodes, where the organ-shaping device deforms the organ middle section along at least one lateral direction between the electrodes. An electric current is provided between the first second electrodes, where a current density gradient is provided by the electrode surface areas and the deformed organ middle section, and the properties of the intrinsic muscle tissue are modified according to the current density gradient.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wireless, bite activated switch for electrosurgery related electrosurgical systems, and methods of use thereof. During an electrosurgical procedure, a biocompatible switching device is gently held in the surgeon's mouth, typically between the teeth. The surgeon may activate an electrosurgical device by biting down on the switch. In embodiments, the wireless, bite activated switch includes a passive RFID tag that is powered by a radiofrequency signal transmitted by an interrogator included within an electrosurgical system unit. The wireless, bite activated may include a unique identifier which enables the electrosurgical system unit to respond only to a designated wireless device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing electrosurgery. The disclosed method includes providing a wireless, bite-activated switch configured for use within a surgeon's mouth. The disclosed switch includes an activator, a transponder, and an antenna. The switch communicates with an electrosurgical energy source, such as without limitation, an electrosurgical RF or microwave generator, to convey the state of the switch and activate the generator. The disclosed method provides providing the wireless switch with a unique identifier and associating the generator with the unique switch to ensure only the intended switch can control the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Abstract: A mouth cleaning device includes a head portion provided with bristles and an electrode; and a grip portion provided with an electrode. Further, the mouth cleaning device includes a boosting circuit for boosting an output voltage of a battery serving as a power source and applying the boosted voltage to the electrodes of the head portion and the grip portion; and a current limit circuit for limiting a current flowing from one electrode to the other via a human body.

Abstract: A method for promoting oral hygiene and treating a patient for gingivitis, other periodontal problems, or oral mal odor by transmitting to the gums of a patient electrical current waveforms of electrical voltage within the range of from about ±0.1V to about ±3.9V as a combination of ultra-weak electrical currents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to antimicrobial compositions and articles that release ?NO from the composition and/or article in an amount effective to prevent gingival and other oral mucosal diseases.

Abstract: The invention is a removable plastic oral appliance which includes sensors for detecting the position of a patient's tongue and mandible. Pressure sensors in the appliance itself detect tongue contact and pressure against the palate or the lower teeth against the upper teeth. The sensors are connected electronically to an electronic processor which interprets the information against one or more contra-indicated tongue or jaw positions or activities, and selects an appropriate response from a pre-selected range of responses. The electronic processor sends a signal to a stimulus electrode to cause the patient to stop the contraindicated tongue position, jaw position, or activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a face and mouth muscle stimulator formed by an approximately oblong, oval body (1) to be placed in the mouth, having an open central part and side ends (2) that are wider than the upper and lower mid-zones (3) which are provided with V-shaped recesses (4) at the position of the frenulum. Optionally, the invention can include fixed or removable projections (5) positioned on the stimulator or on attachments (8). The invention can also include a sheet (6) provided with holes (7) for the connection of elements such as bottles or pacifiers or provided with a horizontal groove (11) for the incorporation of a bite splint (12) coupled at the front (2b) thereof using T-shaped flanges (13). Alternatively, the body (1?) can have a V-shaped configuration formed by vertical walls (20 and 30) in order to be positioned in the inner space of the lower jaw, including perpendicular projections (40 and 50) by way of horizontal bite planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tactile stimulation device of an individual, comprising at least three stimulators distributed throughout the buccal cavity, in contact with the gums, the inside of the cheeks and/or the lips so as to communicate three-dimensional information to the individual.

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 nasal respiratory device and method adapted to provide electrical stimulation comprising an intraoral holdfast having a neuromuscular stimulator with electrodes adapted to provide electrical stimulation to a user for improving breathing and treating a respiratory disorder. The device and method affords access to ambient atmosphere or may be connected pressure devices such as CPAP. The device and method may also contain an airway resistor.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for insertion into the mouth for the application of heat or cold to oral tissue to provide a therapeutic effect. The device 10 includes an upper member 11 substantially conforming to a contour of an upper gum line, a lower member 12 substantially conforming to a contour of a lower gum line, a first hinge member 13, and a second hinge member 14, wherein at least one hinge member 13, 14 is configured to exert a compressive force to maintain the upper member 11 substantially in contact with an upper gum and the lower member 12 substantially in contact with a lower gum.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing or mitigating the occurrence of sleep breathing disorders use an extra-oral unit for detecting sounds from a sleeping patient and for sending commands to an intra-oral device for applying an electrical stimulation to one or more locations in the oral cavity of the patient. Similarly, bruxing and temporomandibular disorder can be mitigated or prevented by applying electrical stimulation to the oral cavity of a patient in response to the detection of pressure caused by bruxing activity or oral para-functional activity. The intra-oral unit includes a controller for controlling the generation of the electrical stimulation to be applied to the oral cavity of the patient, and first and second protective layers sealing the controller therebetween.

Abstract: A system, a device and a method for electrically detecting a lack of saliva in an oral cavity of an individual and for electrically stimulating the oral cavity so as to induce production of saliva from at least one salivary gland are disclosed. The system includes a control device for detecting a measure of salivation in the individual and for delivering electrical impulses to the oral cavity of the individual, a check device for checking a state of the control device and for modifying at least one parameter of the control device, and, a computer device for exchanging information with the check device.

Abstract: A tongue plate apparatus (10) configured to lie on top of a human tongue (100). The tongue plate (10) having a lower surface configured to lie on top of a human tongue (100), the lower surface including a plurality of electronic stimulation nodes (13) operable to transmit externally generated electrical signals to stimulate sensory nerve fibers (102) within the human tongue (100) at predetermined locations. The tongue plate (10) also having an upper surface including saliva flow measurement means (55) for measuring a rate of change in the saliva flow rate of a human in response to the stimulation of the sensory nerve fibers (104). The tongue plate (10) facilitates the simulation of various taste sensations (i.e., sweet, sour, salty, bitter) in various regions of the tongue (100).

Abstract: A mouth cleaning device includes a head portion provided with bristles and an electrode; and a grip portion provided with an electrode. Further, the mouth cleaning device includes a boosting circuit for boosting an output voltage of a battery serving as a power source and applying the boosted voltage to the electrodes of the head portion and the grip portion; and a current limit circuit for limiting a current flowing from one electrode to the other via a human body.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for submental electrical stimulation of supra hyoid muscles at a floor of mouth (24) includes an electrode (1) to be arranged below the tongue (22) and above a mucous membrane (30) covering the floor of mouth (24). The electrode (1) includes a form body (3) being made as one piece of plastic material. The form body (3) is designed as a negative form of the anatomic shape of the floor of mouth (24) in the region of the lower jaw arc around the frenulum of tongue (21) such that the electrode (1) may be supported in the region of the front lower jaw arc by the shape of the form body (3). The electrode (1) includes a bottom side (2) and a surface portion (4) being located at the bottom side (2). The surface portion (4) is electrically conductible. The surface portion (4) has the shape of a “U” the two free legs of which surround the frenulum of tongue (21) from two sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve includes an energy source that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve and an attachment portion to secure the energy source in a mouth in proximity to the tooth. Stimulating the trigeminal nerve in this manner has been experimentally shown to induce and/or enhance relaxation and/or sleep without the adverse side effects associated with traditional drug therapies. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be realized as a “cap” having two legs that engage opposing sides of a tooth and a bridge portion spanning the occlusal surface of the tooth to link the legs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for treating snoring by implanting a stimulating electrode into a patient. The electrode is placed in stimulating contact with an airway passage-controlling muscle of the patient. The electrode is energized to contract the muscle and alter the airway passage.

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 system for inducing stimulation of muscles within the mouth. The apparatus includes a housing having a controller. A muscular contact member extends from the housing and is configured to contact muscles within the mouth, including for example the palate and the tongue. A vibrating device cooperates with the controller and muscular contact member to transmit vibration to the muscular contact member and in turn to muscles within the mouth. In the system, such an apparatus is provided that is rechargeable. A storage base receives the rechargeable apparatus when it is not in use and includes a battery charger. The storage base also optionally includes disinfecting means for cleaning the muscular contact member.

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 method of tonsil reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound energy includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of one of the patient's tonsils, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into the tissue of the one tonsil, focusing the ultrasound energy in the one tonsil, ablating the tissue of the one tonsil with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area in the one tonsil containing unablated tissue of the one tonsil and a plurality of lesions at which the tissue of the one tonsil is ablated, and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The ablated tissue area is surgically removed or is allowed to remain in the patient's body.

Abstract: A mouth stabilized electrode array allows spatially encoded data to be tactily impressed upon the tongue providing an alternative to conventional visual pathways with a more compact size, lower power usage, and more convenient apparatus.

Abstract: A method of tongue reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of the tongue, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into tissue of the tongue, focusing the ultrasound energy within the tongue at a focusing zone contained in a target area disposed beneath the external surface, heating the tissue with the focused ultrasound energy such that the tissue at the target area is heated to an ablative temperature to form a lesion and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The lesion is allowed to be absorbed by the patient's body and/or to remain as altered tissue such that the tongue is reduced in size to correspondingly increase the size of the patient's airway and/or is stiffened to resist vibration.

Abstract: A method of tongue reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of the tongue, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into the tissue of the tongue, focusing the ultrasound energy in the tongue, ablating the tissue of the tongue with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area below the external surface of the tongue containing unablated tissue of the tongue and a plurality of lesions at which the tissue of the tongue is ablated, and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The lesions are allowed to be absorbed by the patient's body and/or to remain as altered tissue such that the tongue is reduced in size to correspondingly increase the size of the patient's airway and/or is stiffened to resist vibration.

Abstract: An implantable device for inducing salivation by neural stimulation at neurally sensitive location within an oral or perioral tissue of a user. The device includes a housing adapted to be permanently implanted within the oral or perioral tissue. The housing has an enclosure therein for engaging an electrical signal generator. The signal generator includes a power source and at least one electrode operatively associated with the housing and electrically coupled to the signal generator. The electrode is so positioned with respect to the housing so as to form an electrical contact with the oral or perioral tissue and in operative contact with a neurally sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue, the stimulation of which by electrical energy can induce salivation when the housing is operatively disposed, whereby the electrode applies a signal generated by the signal generator to the sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue to induce salivation.

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 that reduces a volume of a selected site in an interior of the tongue includes a handpiece means and an electrode means at least partially positioned in the interior of the handpiece means. The electrode means includes an electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface and is advance able from the interior of the handpiece means into the interior of the tongue. An electrode means advancement member is coupled to the electrode means and configured to advance the electrode means an advancement distance in the interior of the tongue. The advancement distance is sufficient for the electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface to deliver electromagnetic energy to the selected tissue site and reduce a volume of the selected site without damaging a hypoglossal nerve. Means are provided to provide a controlled delivery of energy to the electrode means. A cable means is coupled to the electrode means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an iontophoresis electrode which is applicable to mucous membranes and oral mucous membranes, and especially capable of sticking directly on human oral mucous membranes and excellent in efficiently administering medicine and extremely easy to handle and lightweight.An iontophoresis electrode (Ka) of this invention comprises a backing layer (1) and, a conductive layer for current dispersion (2) made of silver or silver chloride that laminated on the backing layer (1) and, a spacer layer (3) of film, sheet, or cloth shape which is made of dried polymer layer with water soluble and swelling properties and laminated on the conductive layer for current dispersion, and can be sticked to the oral mucous membrane.

Abstract: An iontophoresis method for delivenng an active substance or drug to a target tissue which includes the step of sandwiching the target tissue between a donor electrode and receptor electrode which are each electrically connnected to a power source wherein a current path between the donor electrode and the receptor electrode is maintained at a minimum value to enhance delivery of the active substance to the target tissue.

Abstract: An electromuscular stimulator that effects a beneficial medical purpose selected from the group consisting of mitigating snoring, mitigating obstructive sleep apnea, mitigating hypertension, dental analgesia, general analgesia, monitoring physiological conditions and facilitating the intraoral delivery of medication is disclosed. The electromuscular stimulator includes a first electrode for making electrical contact with a first anatomical structure selected from the group consisting of a hard palate, a soft palate and a pharynx; a second electrode for making electrical contact with a second anatomical structure; a control unit operably connected to the first and second electrodes; and a means for positioning the first and second electrodes relative to the first and second anatomical structures, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for precision placement of ablation apparatus. An ablation catheter having a plurality of electrodes and having a radius of curvature selected responsive to a size of a patient's tongue, is placed near to the tongue and offset from a gag-response region in the throat, preferably using an optical viewing apparatus and a view port in the catheter. The ablation catheter is coupled to a baseplate and to a measuring device for indicating an offset of a selected reference point of the ablation catheter from the baseplate. The baseplate is coupled to a reference body structure, such as the jaw, lips or teeth. In cases where multiple ablation operations are conducted, the ablation catheter (or a replacement ablation catheter) is coupled to the baseplate so that the selected reference point has the same distance from the baseplate, and thus from the reference body structure.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a stenosis or blockage in a bodily fluid passageway is described. The system includes a catheter and a controller for generating radio frequency energy along a pair of output lines, a monitoring circuit for monitoring the phase of the radio frequency energy along the output lines, and an impedance matching circuit for adjusting the output impedance of the generator so that it equals that of a load, e.g., the patient. The catheter includes a catheter body which is insertable into the bodily passageway and operatively connected to the controller. A lumen in the catheter body defines an opening and a stainless steel, metallic-plated mandril is disposed within the lumen so that a terminal end thereof extends through the opening and into the bodily passageway.

Abstract: A low energy emission therapy system which includes an emitter of low energy electromagnetic emissions and a probe for applying the emissions to a patient under treatment. The emitter emits a high frequency electromagnetic emission in the form of a carrier signal modulated by a plurality of modulation signals. The invention also includes an impedance transformer located intermediate the emitter and the probe in order to match the impedance of the patient with that of the output of the emitter. Particular modulation signal frequencies and application times and sequences are provided for the treatment of insomnia, and for the treatment of general anxiety disorder which may include panic attacks.

Abstract: An apparatus for discouraging habitual finger sucking by delivering a small current to an individual's tongue. An electrical current is delivered by two electrodes mounted within an adhesive band which is wrapped around the individual's finger and the adhesive band having contact points where the electrodes are exposed to the individual's tongue. The current may be produced by the band itself by constructing the band in layers including a layer supplying an electrolyte and a layer supplying two dis-similar metals, thus producing a current that can be delivered directly to the individual's tongue.

Abstract: A method of medical ablation of tissue accessible thorough the mouth or nose is disclosed having the steps of: a) inserting a probe through the mouth into the oral cavity, wherein said probe has a disposable electrode enclosed within an insulating sleeve bendable therewith; b) steering said probe through the oral cavity into close proximity to the tissue; c) extending the disposable electrode and the insulating sleeve out of the probe and penetrating the tissue; and d) applying RF energy to the tissue surrounding the electrode to effect ablation of said tissue.

Abstract: A low energy emission therapy system is provided which includes an emitter of low energy electromagnetic emissions and a probe for applying the emissions to a patient under treatment. The emitter emits a high frequency electromagnetic emission in the form of a carrier signal modulated by a plurality of modulation signals. The invention also includes an impedance transformer located intermediate the emitter and the probe in order to match the impedance of the patient with that of the output of the emitter. Particular modulation signal frequencies and application times and sequences are provided for the treatment of insomnia, and for the treatment of general anxiety disorder which may include panic attacks.

Abstract: A low energy emission therapy system is provided which includes an emitter of low energy electromagnetic emissions and a probe for applying the emissions to a patient under treatment. The emitter emits a high frequency electromagnetic emission in the form of a carrier signal modulated by a plurality of modulation signals. The invention also includes an impedance transformer located intermediate the emitter and the probe in order to match the impedance of the patient with that of the output of the emitter. Particular modulation signal frequencies and application times and sequences are provided for the treatment of insomnia, and for the treatment of general anxiety disorder which may include panic attacks.

Abstract: TENS electrodes and connectors useful with such electrodes are disclosed. The electrodes include active electrodes and return electrodes having a common carrier with a field of pressure sensitive adhesive for adhering the electrode to a hand (finger or thumb) of the practitioner or an applicator. Extraoral electrodes adhere to facial skin of mammals and provide TENS treatment for intraoral-procedures. The electrodes can be single channel or dual channel to combine active electrodes and return electrodes on one electrode. The connector can be single channel or dual channel and has a ridge for projecting through the tab portion of the electrode for more secure mechanical and electrical connection. Optionally, a dual channel electrode is used in combination with an elongated applicator having a bifurcated end in order to facilitate guiding a syringe needle toward a desired injection site.

Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on a tissue or implant surfaces in a patient, and which are refractory to a biocide at a dose which is effective to kill the microorganism in planktonic form. The effect of the biocide is potentiated, to an effective killing level, by applying an electric field across the surface containing the biofilm.

Abstract: A novel medical device, SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper.TM. anti-snoring mouth device, is inserted into the mouth. The device comprises a denture-like(10) apparatus for supporting electrodes(12) in such a manner that the electrodes make contact with the roof of the mouth. Electrical stimulation induces contraction of relaxed muscles, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical energy is provided to the device via wires for connection to an external stimulator(16) or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, amplitutde, length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A coaxial antenna assembly conducts a pressurized medium for absorbing heat along the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A novel medical device, SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper.TM. anti-snoring mouth device, is inserted into the mouth. The device comprises a denture-like(10) apparatus for supporting electrodes(12) in such a manner that the electrodes make contact with the roof of the mouth. Electrical stimulation induces contraction of relaxed muscles, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical energy is provided to the device via wires for connection to an external stimulator(16) or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiaturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, .?.amplitutde.!. .Iadd.amplitude.Iaddend., length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.