U.S. patent application number 16/384730 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for device and method for opening an airway.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOMMETRICS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SOMMETRICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Jerome K. AARESTAD, John NELSON, Donna PALMER, Richard ROSE.
Application Number | 20190240065 16/384730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39431196 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190240065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AARESTAD; Jerome K. ; et
al. |
August 8, 2019 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPENING AN AIRWAY
Abstract
A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an
obstruction free upper airway. The device is configured to fit
under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an
external location corresponding approximately with the subject's
internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle.
The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface
of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and
enlarging the airway.
Inventors: |
AARESTAD; Jerome K.;
(Escondido, CA) ; ROSE; Richard; (Rancho Santa Fe,
CA) ; NELSON; John; (Redlands, CA) ; PALMER;
Donna; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOMMETRICS, INC. |
Vista |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SOMMETRICS, INC.
Vista
CA
|
Family ID: |
39431196 |
Appl. No.: |
16/384730 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12838669 |
Jul 19, 2010 |
10258496 |
|
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16384730 |
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12002515 |
Dec 17, 2007 |
7762263 |
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12838669 |
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60874969 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20060101
A61F005/56 |
Claims
1. A method of reducing snoring, comprising: placing a vessel
against a surface of a subject's neck to seat a sidewall edge of
said vessel under the chin of the subject adjacent to the subject's
neck to form a chamber at an external location corresponding
approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated
with the neck's anterior triangle, said sidewall edge comprising an
elastomeric seal which contacts the skin surface of the subject;
creating negative pressure within the chamber, wherein the negative
pressure applies a force over the anterior triangle of the patients
neck within the range of about 0.5 kg to about 6.68 kg; identifying
a signal corresponding with an acoustic signature of the subject
with the at least one acoustic sensor and processing the signal
with a microprocessor to detect a signal representative of the
occurrence of snoring; and causing the microprocessor to
automatically adjust the level of negative pressure within the
chamber to reduce snoring based on the signal representative of the
occurrence of snoring.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/838,669, filed Jul. 19, 2010, now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,258,496, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/002,515, filed, Dec. 17, 2007, which in turn claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/874,969, filed Dec.
15, 2006, each of which applications are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for
creating and maintaining an obstruction free upper airway.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Obstruction of the upper airway (that portion of the
breathing passage which is outside of the thoracic cage) can occur
at any age. Those at risk for having upper airway obstruction
include person with sleep apnea, those with airway tumors or
foreign bodies such as aspirated food, and those with inflammatory
or traumatic damage to t the upper airway, which results in a
weakened and collapsible airway wall, a condition known as
tracheomalacia.
[0004] The medical sequalae of upper airway obstruction can be
devastating: inability to effectively ventilate the lungs rapidly
produces hypoxemia, a generalized condition of lowered blood
oxygen. If left uncorrected, hypoxemia leads to serious and organ
injury such as stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack), and
may have a lethal outcome.
[0005] Snoring is a common chronic medical problem that is
associated with episodic partial upper airway obstruction during
sleep. Snoring afflicts millions of people worldwide. Snoring can
lead to chronic fatigue that follows sleep deprivation and is
considered by many to be a serious medical problem. The sound of
snoring is produced by turbulent air-flow moving through an area of
partial upper airway obstruction that produces resonant vibrations
in the soft tissues adjacent to the upper airway.
[0006] A percentage of those who snore also suffer from sleep
apnea, another frequent and serious medical condition associated
with episodic upper airway obstruction. In the most common type of
sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an afflicted individual
sustains numerous episodes of apnea, or complete, and often
prolonged cessation of breathing. Severe cases may have 100 or more
apnea events per hour of sleep. OSA results in nocturnal hypoxemia,
and leads to cognitive impairment, daytime somnolence,
hypertension, increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction,
and insulin resistant diabetes mellitus. Untreated, OSA may result
in premature death.
[0007] OSA is caused by closure of the upper airway during sleep
due to either alteration in the mechanical properties of the upper
airway, and/or to disturbances in neuromuscular control over airway
caliber. Alterations in the mechanical properties of the upper
airway, which predispose to collapse of the upper airway during
sleep, may be caused by anatomical conditions such as large
tonsils, or may be idiopathic. A variety of medical interventions
have been shown to improve the mechanical properties of the upper
airway and reduce sleep related airway closure. These include upper
airway remodeling surgeries, medical devices that re-position the
mandible, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
[0008] Unfortunately, all current treatments produce results that
are far from optimal. Surgery and re-positioning devices are
effective in only a minority of OSA patients, and the responders
cannot be identified with certainty prior to initiating treatment.
As a result, many people are subjected to painful and expensive
procedures without benefit. On the other hand, CPAP is effective in
the majority of OSA patients; however, the treatment is
uncomfortable and not well tolerated during long-term use. A
substantial number of patients given CPAP discontinue therapy
within the first year after initiation.
[0009] CPAP works by delivering air at pressures above ambient
pressure to the upper airway during sleep. Application of positive
pressure to the upper airway acts as a "stint" and can retard the
tendency of the upper airway to collapse during certain stages of
sleep in OSA patients. In order to deliver higher than ambient
pressures to the upper airway, the patient must wear a tight
fitting mask covering the mouth and/or nose. This mask is connected
to an air supply tube, and a variable pressure air pump. An
additional component can be added which humidifies the air, to
avoid desiccation of the upper airway during treatment. There are
multiple sources of patient dissatisfaction with CPAP including an
uncomfortable face mask which may provoke feelings of
claustrophobia, the noise of the air pump and the moisture of the
humidification system. Also, some CPAP units are not easily
portable and limit patients' ability to travel.
[0010] Therefore, there is a pressing medical need to develop a
means of ameliorating obstruction of the upper airway, which is
both highly effective and well tolerated during chronic use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The foregoing needs are met by the present invention,
wherein, in one aspect, a device is provided for applying pressure
to an upper airway of a patient.
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a device having a vessel is provided. The vessel can be a hollow or
concave utensil, shaped as a cup, howl, or the like. The vessel has
an edge and an internal surface and is configured to fit under the
chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external
location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal
soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The edge
may include an adhesive surface. Additionally, a vacuum pump inlet
is provided for receiving a negative pressure into the chamber to
apply a force to a surface of the neck of the patient to draw the
surface into the chamber. The device also includes a tube for
connecting the vessel to the pressure control device. In addition,
a pressure control device is provided for controlling the applied
force within the range of about 0.5 kilogram to about 6.68
kilograms. In some embodiments, the applied force is within the
range of about 0.61 kg to 6.14 kg. In other embodiments, the
applied force is within the range of about 0.74 kg to 5.65 kg. In
some embodiments, the applied force is within the range of about
0.91 kg to 5.2 kg. In some embodiments, the applied force is within
the range of about 1.11 kg to 4.78 kg.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the vessel is made of a material
having resilient memory such as silicone, urethane or rubber.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the pressure control device exerts
the negative pressure within the interior chamber in the range of
about 7.62 cm to about 60.96 cm of water. In certain embodiments, a
vessel is dimensionally adapted to define an interior chamber for
covering the anterior triangle of from about 32.90 cm.sup.2 to
about 210.58 cm.sup.2 in surface area.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the device further includes a
dynamic pump. The dynamic pump may be a regenerative pump or a
centrifugal pump. In certain embodiments, the device includes a
positive displacement pump. The positive displacement pump may be a
vane pump, a diaphragm pump, or a linear pump.
[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
method of applying a force to open an upper airway of a patient.
According to the method, a vessel is placed against a surface of a
patient's neck to seat an edge under the chin of the patient to
form chamber at a location corresponding approximately with the
patient's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior
triangle. A force in the range of from about 0.5 kilogram to about
6.68 kilograms is applied to the interior of the chamber to pull
the neck's anterior triangle toward the interior chamber. The
vessel may be located over the anterior triangle of the patient's
neck to treat sleep obstructive sleep apnea and other disorders
associated with upper airway obstruction.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
method of treating obstructive sleep apnea.
[0018] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of reducing snoring is provided. According to
the method, a vessel having an opening is placed on the surface of
a subject's neck. The vessel is configured to fit under the chin of
a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location
corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue
associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The vessel is
attached at the opening to a tube having a first end and a second
end. The first end of the tube is attached at the opening.
Additionally, a vacuum source is attached to the second end of the
tube. The vacuum source has a microprocessor and at least one
acoustic sensor connected thereto. A force is applied over the
anterior triangle of the patient's neck within the range of about
0.5 kilogram to about 6.68 kilograms. A signal corresponding with
an acoustic signature of the subject is identified by the acoustic
sensor. The signal is registered and processed with a
microprocessor attached to the vacuum source. The level of negative
pressure created at the vacuum source is automatically maintained
to reduce and/or eliminate snoring. In certain embodiments, the
acoustic sensor is a microphone
[0019] There has thus been outlined certain embodiments of the
invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may
be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to
the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments
of the invention that will be described below and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0020] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0021] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following
description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in
the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Descriptions of
well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as
to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The examples
used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of
ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable
those of skill in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly,
the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0023] FIG. 1A is a view of the device according to an embodiment
of the present invention on a subject;
[0024] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the device according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 1C is an axial view of the device of FIG. 1A on a
subject;
[0026] FIG. 1D is a sagittal view and FIG. 1E is a normal view of a
subject's mandible;
[0027] FIG. 1F is a CT scan of a sagittal view and FIG. 1G is an
axial view of a subject's upper airway, at an ambient pressure;
[0028] FIG. 1H is a CT scan of a sagittal view and FIG. 1I is an
axial view of a subject's upper airway, at 51 centimeters of water
vacuum;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a sagittal view of a subject using the device of
FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view the
vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4A is a view of the device according to an embodiment
of the present invention on a subject;
[0032] FIG. 4B is an axial view of the device of FIG. 4A on a
subject;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a sagittal view of a subject using the device of
FIG. 4A;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the
vacuum source according to the device of FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 1A, a device 101 is shown on a
subject 103 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The device 101 includes a vessel 105, a vacuum source 109, a tube
111, and a pressure control (not shown). The vessel 105, among
other things, includes an edge 107 and an internal surface (not
shown). The edge 107 seats against the chin and neck of the patient
to define a chamber at an external location approximately at the
subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior
triangle.
[0037] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a device 101
having a vessel 105 is worn by a subject. The vessel 105 is
attached to a tube 111 at a first end 113 of the tube 111. A second
end 115 of the tube 111 is attached to a vacuum source 109. The
vessel 105 is attached to the subject 103 by a strap 117.
[0038] The vessel 105 may be a hollow or concave utensil. In a
non-limiting example, the vessel 105 may be shaped as a cup, bowl,
or the like. The vessel may be formed, molded, or fabricated from
any material. Non-limiting examples of such materials suitable for
constructing the vessel 105 include plastics, metals, natural
fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and the like. The vessel 105 may also
be constructed from a material having resilient memory such as
silicone, rubber, or urethane.
[0039] Additionally, the vessel 105 can be flexible, semi-rigid, or
rigid. For purposes of the present invention, "semi-rigid" means
partially or somewhat rigid. "Flexible" means capable of being
bent, usually without breaking, or susceptible of modification or
adaptation. "Rigid" means stiff or unyielding, not pliant nor
flexible.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1A, the strap 117 functions to attach and
helps seal the vessel 105 on the surface of the skin of the subject
103. In alternative embodiments, the vessel 105 may be attached to
a surface of a subject's neck by a negative pressure exerted by the
vacuum source 109. Alternatively, adhesive may be utilized to
attach the vessel 105 to a surface of the subject's neck.
Additionally, the natural anatomical contours of a subject may act
in a synergistic manner with any other known means or method of
attachment, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the attachment.
Further, the natural anatomical contours of the subject may, on its
own, act to attach the vessel 105 to the surface of a subject's
neck. All would serve as a sufficient means for attaching the
vessel 105 on a surface of the subject's neck.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, a seal could be created by, for
example, an adhesive, the natural anatomical contours of the
subject, or at least one clamp, such as a differential clamp and
the like. In one embodiment, the edge 107 has a high contact
pressure area with the skin of the subject's neck. Upon exertion of
negative pressure by the vacuum source 109, a seal is created. In
alternative embodiments, the seal is created by the application of
adhesive to the device 101 or the skin of a subject's neck in a
desired area. In some embodiments, the seal may be an elastomeric
seal. The elastomeric seal may comprise external flaps, extensions
or the like, attached to the vessel 105. In one embodiment the
elastomeric seal may be attached to the edge 107. The elastomeric
seal may be made from materials including, but not limited to:
Natural Rubber (NR); Polyisoprene (IR); Butyl rubber (copolymer of
isobutylene and isoprene, IIR); Halogenated butyl rubbers (Chloro
Butyl Rubber: CIIR; Bromo Butyl Rubber: BIIR); Polybutadiene (BR);
Styrene-butadiene Rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and
polybutadiene, SBR); Nitrile Rubber (copolymer of polybutadiene and
acrylonitrile, NBR), also called bursa N rubbers; Hydrated Nitrile
Rubbers (HNBR) Therban.RTM. and Zetpol.RTM.; Chloroprene Rubber
(CR), polychloroprene, Neoprene, Baypren; EPM (ethylene propylene
rubber, a copolymer faeces of polyethylene and polypropylene) and
EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of
polyethylene, polypropylene and a diene-component); Epichlorohydrin
rubber (ECO); Polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR); Silicone rubber (SI,
Q, VMQ); Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ); Fluoroelastomers (FKM, FPM),
for example, Viton.RTM., Tecnoflon.RTM., Fluorel.RTM. and
Dai-El.RTM.; Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM); Tetrafluoro
ethylene/propylene rubbers (FEPM); Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene
(CSM), (Hypalon.RTM.); Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA); Thermoplastic
Elastomers (TPE), for example, Hytrel.RTM., Santoprene.RTM.;
Polyurethane rubber; Resilin, Elastin; and Polysulfide Rubber.
[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates bellows 119 attached to the vessel 105.
In the embodiment shown, the bellows 119 allow the subject 103 to
maintain natural head motion while still allowing the vessel 105 to
be effectively sealed against the skin of the subject 103. In one
embodiment, the bellows 119 are formed from the same material as
the vessel 105. In alternative embodiments, the bellows 119 may be
formed from other suitable materials.
[0043] In one embodiment, the bellows 119 have no stiffness in a
lateral sense to allow for increased movement of the subject.
However, the lateral stiffness of the bellows can vary depending on
the lateral movement desired. With regard to circumferential
stiffness, the bellows 119 are rigid enough so that the vessel 105
does not collapse. In some embodiments, the vessel does not have a
bellow.
[0044] FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of the device 101.
The device 101 includes a vessel 105 and a tube 111. The vessel 105
includes an edge 107, which seats against under the chin of the
subject to define a chamber at an external location approximately
at the internal soft tissue of the subject associated with the
anterior triangle of the neck. The vessel 105 covers the soft
tissue of the subject's anterior angle of the neck in the range of
about 32.9 cm.sup.2 to about 210.58 cm.sup.2. The range may cover
the anatomical variations of the user population. The edge 107
helps to seal the vessel 105 on the surface of the skin of the
subject and obviates the need for a strap. In this embodiment, the
negative pressure exerted by a vacuum source holds the vessel 105
in place.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 1C, shown is an axial view of the device
of FIG. 1A on a subject. In the shown embodiment, the vessel 105 is
placed against the surface of the subject's skin 121 at the
subject's mandible 123. A vacuum cavity 125 is created between the
subject's skin 121 and the vessel's interior surface 127. The
vacuum cavity 125 allows for the displacement of the soft
tissue.
[0046] The vacuum source 109 creates negative pressure which is
conveyed through the tube 111 to the vessel 105. Negative pressure
means less than atmospheric pressure. This negative pressure, in
conjunction with the area bounded by the seal, applies a force and
consequently displaces the chin/neck soft tissues forward, thereby
enlarging the airway passage in the back of the throat. According
to the shown embodiment, the negative pressure created by the
vacuum source 109 exerts negative pressure on a surface of the
subject's skin.
[0047] FIGS. 1D-1E show a few exemplary dimensions of a subject's
mandible. Given the dimensions, the area and the volume of the soft
tissue of the subject's mandible is about 32 cm.sup.2 and about 163
cm.sup.3, respectively. The weight of the mass of the subject's
soft tissue is about 0.17 kg. The pressure to counter the weight of
the subject's soft tissue is about 7.6 cm of water. The maximum
effective pressure may depend on the subject's comfort
threshold.
[0048] In one preferred embodiment, the aggregate force in the
range of from about 0.5 kilogram to about 6.68 kilograms is applied
to the interior of the vessel to pull the neck's anterior triangle
toward the interior chamber. The aggregate force may preferably be
in the range of about 0.61 kilograms to about 6.14 kilograms, and
more preferably about 0.74 kilograms to 5.65 kilograms, and more
preferably about 0.91 kilograms to about 5.2 kilograms, and more
preferably from about 1.11 kilograms to about 4.78 kilograms.
[0049] FIGS. 1F-1G show CT scans of the subject's upper airway at
ambient pressure. FIGS. 1H-1I show the CT scans of the same subject
with the negative pressure of 51 centimeters of water vacuum. As
shown in the figures, there is an observable increase in the upper
airway caliber. Pressures below about 7.62 centimeters of water
vacuum may be ineffective since the pressure may be insufficient to
maintain the vessel in the proper anatomic position. The pressures
applied above about 60.96 centimeters of water vacuum may not be
tolerable by a user since speaking and swallowing becomes difficult
due to the high pressure.
[0050] The contact pressure applied to the subject's mandible
varies depending on the contact area and the operating vacuum level
of the vessel. At a given negative pressure value, for example 60
centimeters of water vacuum, by increasing the contact area between
the vessel and the subject, the skin contact pressure is lowered
and may enhance the comfort level for the subject.
[0051] The vacuum source 109 may be any type of pneumatic vacuum
pump including a dynamic pump and a positive displacement pump. In
one embodiment, the dynamic pump may be a regenerative pump or a
centrifugal pump. The positive displacement pump may be a vane
pump, a diaphragm pump, or a linear pump. In other embodiments, the
pneumatic vacuum pump may be of any pump that creates a vacuum. In
one embodiment, the pneumatic vacuum pump can provide up to 137
centimeters water vacuum. Additionally, in an embodiment, the
pneumatic vacuum pump can operate at less than 25 dB sound
pressure. In a further embodiment, the pneumatic vacuum pump
creates no dynamic pressure ripple. In an additional embodiment,
the pneumatic vacuum pump has a controller for regulating the
vacuum level conveyed. Preferably the pneumatic vacuum pump
contains all of these features.
[0052] The edge 107 of the vessel 105 may be coated or covered with
a means for low pressure skin contact. In one embodiment, the low
pressure skin contact means is an air-tube that traverses the
periphery of the vessel. When negative pressure is applied by the
vacuum source 109, the low pressure skin contact means will
compress slightly. In one embodiment, the air-tube is inflated with
a fixed amount of air. In an alternate embodiment, the air-tube is
inflated with the exhaust emitted by the pneumatic vacuum pump.
Additionally, the low pressure skin contact means could include
without limitation a soft material such foam, rubber, fabric,
adhesive, and the like. Additionally, the edge 107 can extend
around the full periphery of the vessel 105 including around
bellows 119. In alternative embodiments, the edge 107 may not
include a means for low pressure contact. The edge 107 may simply
be the periphery of the material that comprises the vessel 105 or
the vessel 105 and the bellows 119.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the device 101 may have an
auto adjust feature or a controller which would maintain the vacuum
level just low enough to eliminate snoring and/or an apnea event.
The pneumatic vacuum pump would have at least one acoustic sensor
that would listen to the acoustic signature emitted of the user
coming back up the tube 111. The acoustic sensor according to any
of the embodiments of the present invention may be any acoustic
sensor such as a microphone, or the like. In one embodiment, the
acoustic sensor is in the vessel 105 itself. In alternative
embodiments, the acoustic sensor could located anywhere on the
device 101. Signal processing would cue a microprocessor to adjust
the pressure from the pneumatic vacuum pump to a desired level. The
objective is to enhance patient comfort by optimizing the level of
negative pressure.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 2, shown is a sagittal view of a subject
using the device of FIG. 1A. In the embodiment shown, the natural
anatomical contours of the subject form a seal with the vessel
105.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the vessel 105 has an opening 129. The
tube's first end 113 is attached to the vessel 105 at the opening
129. Accordingly, as shown, negative pressure may be generated at
the vacuum source (not shown) and conveyed through the tube 111.
The negative pressure in the vacuum cavity causes negative pressure
to be exerted on the area of skin exposed therein. The negative
pressure displaces the subject's soft tissue, resulting in an
opened stricture or airway. Accordingly, the subject 103 has an
airway that is open and free of obstruction.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is an exploded partial
cross-sectional view the device of FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown,
a differential clamp 131 is attached to the bellows 119. The vessel
105 forms a seal with the subject's neck at a differential clamp-on
area 133. The differential clamp 131 has a low friction surface 135
that helps form the seal at a differential clamp-on area 135. The
differential clamp 131 is just one means for low pressure skin
contact. In alternative embodiments, it is possible to utilize
other clamps similar to differential clamps. Additionally, in
alternative embodiments, adhesive may cover the surface of the
clamp. As a seal is formed, a low pressure environment is created
in the vacuum cavity 125.
[0057] The differential clamp-on area 133 includes both the point
at which the differential clamp 131 makes contact with a subject's
skin, as well as the area surrounding the point of contact. In the
differential clamp-on area 133 area, the contact pattern along a
subject's neckline becomes shifted downwards rather than being in
line with the convolutions of the bellows 119. As a negative or low
pressure exists between the neck and the differential clamp 131 in
the vacuum cavity 125, a natural force is carried into the low
friction surface 135 against the neck. Accordingly, an additional
force is created on the neck that maintains a seal. Therefore, in
the differential clamp-on area 133, the contact pattern along a
subject's neckline is moved such that the natural hydraulic forces,
or the difference of the pressures existing in normal atmospheric
pressure and the negative or low pressure existing in the vacuum
cavity 125 will create an additional load onto the actual seal
itself point where the low friction surface 135 makes contact with
a subject's neck.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 4A, shown is a view of a device 137
according to an embodiment of the present invention on a subject.
The device 137 has a vessel 139. The vessel 139 has an edge 141,
and an internal surface (not shown). The vessel 139 is configured
to fit under the chin of a subject 143 adjacent to the subject's
neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the
subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior
triangle.
[0059] The vessel 139 is fabricated or formed from a material
having a resilient memory. Accordingly, the vessel returns to its
original form or position after being bent, compressed, or
stretched. The vessel 139 can be made of any material having a
resilient memory including, but not limited to, plastics, metals,
fabrics, polymers, rubbers, and the like.
[0060] An adhesive (not shown) coats at least a portion of the
internal surface 147 of the vessel 139 to form a seal against the
skin 145 of a subject 143.
[0061] Referring next to FIG. 4B, shown is an axial view of the
device of FIG. 4A on a subject. In the shown embodiment, the vessel
139 is placed against the surface of the subject's skin 145 at the
subject's mandible 147. An adhesive coats at least a portion of the
internal surface 149 of the vessel 139.
[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, one process for applying
the vessel 139 comprises applying pressure on the exterior surface
151 of the vessel 139 at a point approximately central to vessel
139 causing it to invert. The inverted vessel 139 is placed under
the chin of the subject 143 adjacent to the subject's neck at an
external location corresponding approximately with the subject's
internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle.
After placement on the subject, the pressure applied to the central
point of the vessel 139 is removed such that the flexible vessel
returns to its original shape thereby taking hold of the skin 145
in contact with the adhesive. As a result, the skin 145 in contact
with the adhesive will be displaced. Accordingly, the subject's
internal soft tissue is displaced in a forward and downward
fashion, thereby enhancing the airway.
[0063] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the vessel 139 may be provided without any adhesive on it at all.
Accordingly, adhesive could be independently applied to the skin
145 of the subject 143 in a desired area and the vessel 139 could
be applied to the coated skin in the manner provided above. In one
embodiment, the adhesive could be double sided tape.
[0064] Turning now to FIG. 5, shown is a sagittal view of a subject
using the device of FIG. 4A. The vessel 139 has an adhesive on at
least a portion of its internal surface 149. In contact with the
skin, the vessel 139 pulls the subject's skin. The pulling
displaces the subject's soft tissue, resulting in an opened
stricture. Accordingly, the subject 143 has an airway that is open
and free of obstruction.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a schematic representation
of an embodiment of the vacuum source according to the device of
FIG. 1A. In the embodiment shown, the vacuum source 109 has a
vacuum pump 153 attached to a motor 155. A microcontroller 157,
such as a microprocessor, is attached to the motor 155 by a first
electrical connection 159. A pressure sensor 161 is attached to the
microcontroller 157 by a second electrical connection 163.
Additionally, a tube 111 connects the vessel (not shown) to the
vacuum pump at opposite ends of the tube 111. A first pneumatic
connection 165 attaches the tube 111 to the pressure sensor 161. A
relief valve 167 is attached to the tube 111 by a second pneumatic
connection 169.
[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
vacuum pump 153 may be any type of pneumatic vacuum pump including,
but not limited to, a regenerative pump, a vane pump, a diaphragm
pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump or a dynamic
pump. In one embodiment, the pneumatic vacuum pump can provide up
to 137 centimeters water vacuum. The microcontroller 157 may be any
controller capable of identifying and processing data and/or
signals received from the motor 155 and vacuum pump 153 and/or the
pressure sensor 161 to regulate the vacuum pressure or negative
pressure generated. The relief valve 167 may be mechanically or
manually operated. The relief valve used to control or limit the
negative pressure being exerted by the motor 155 and vacuum pump
153 which can build up by allowing the pressure to flow
therefrom.
[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user
sets an initial vacuum level of the device. Until the vessel 109 is
in place and engaged in a desired position the pressure sensor 163
will recognize low vacuum levels. The microcontroller 157 will
speed up the motor 155 and vacuum pump 153 until a set vacuum value
or desired level of negative pressure is achieved in the vacuum
cavity (not shown) of the vessel (not shown). If a vacuum value or
desired level of negative pressure is surpassed, the
microcontroller 157 will electrically slow the motor 155 and vacuum
pump 153 down. The set vacuum level or desired level of negative
pressure is automatically maintained by the microcontroller. To
make up for system leakage, the motor 155 and vacuum pump 153 will
rotate slowly thereby making up for system leakage. Accordingly,
the device will operate quietly.
[0068] The present invention is also drawn to various methods for
using the devices for opening an airway.
[0069] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of opening an airway is provided. According to
the method, a device is placed against a surface of a subject's
neck. The device has a vessel having an edge and an internal
surface. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a
subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location
corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue
associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device applies
negative pressure on the surface of the subject's neck, thereby
opening the airway. The device is preferably a device as described
herein with respect to other embodiments of the present
invention.
[0070] In accordance with yet still another embodiment of the
present invention, a method of opening an airway is provided.
According to the method, a vessel is placed on the surface of a
subject's neck. The vessel has an edge and an internal surface. The
vessel is configured to fit under the chin of the subject adjacent
to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding
approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated
with the neck's anterior triangle. The vessel is connected to a
source of negative pressure. A force is applied in the range of
from about 0.5 kilogram to 6.68 kilograms to the anterior triangle
of the subject's neck to pull the soft tissue toward the interior
chamber. The device is preferably a device as described herein with
respect to other embodiments of the present invention.
[0071] An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides
a method of opening an airway. A flexible vessel with a resilient
memory having an edge, an internal surface, an external surface,
and a central point is provided. The internal surface is at least
partially coated with adhesive. Applying pressure on the exterior
surface at the central point of the flexible vessel causes it to
invert. The inverted flexible vessel is placed under the chin of a
subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location
corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue
associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The pressure applied
to the central point of the flexible vessel is removed such that
the flexible vessel returns to its original shape. The device is
preferably a device as described herein with respect to other
embodiments of the present invention.
[0072] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of reducing snoring is provided. According to
the method, a vessel having an opening is placed on the surface of
a subject's neck. The vessel is configured to fit under the chin of
a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location
corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue
associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The vessel is
attached at the opening to a tube having a first end and a second
end. The first end of the tube is attached at the opening.
Additionally, a vacuum source is attached to the second end of the
tube. The vacuum source has a microprocessor and at least one
acoustic sensor connected thereto. Negative pressure is created at
the vacuum source. A signal corresponding with an acoustic
signature of the subject is identified by the acoustic sensor. The
signal is registered and processed with a microprocessor attached
to the vacuum source. The level of pressure created at the vacuum
source is automatically maintained to reduce and/or eliminate
snoring. The device is preferably a device as described herein with
respect to other embodiments of the present invention.
[0073] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *