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US 9,078,634 B2Granted
Apparatus and methods for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea utilizing cryolysis of adipose tissues
AssigneeCryosa, Inc.
InventorsDonald A. Gonzales, Anthony Natale
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.
Claims18
A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
- a. a cooling unit for chilling a cooling fluid;
- and
- b. an applicator for receiving the cooling fluid, the applicator comprising an engagement member configured for contact with oropharyngeal tissue, wherein the engagement member is shaped to be complementary to a target portion of the oropharyngeal tissue, the applicator comprising a recirculation conduit for facilitating heat transfer between the engagement member and the cooling fluid,
- the applicator and cooling unit being configured to cooperatively cause cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue by placement of the engagement member in contact with a surface of the oropharyngeal tissue, the engagement member being configured to be cooled to a temperature between approximately 5° C. and approximately −25° C. during contact for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue, and thereby reduce a volume of said adipose tissue.
1 more element
A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
- a. a cooling unit for chilling a cooling fluid;
- and
- b. an applicator for receiving the cooling fluid from the cooling unit, wherein the applicator comprises a needle configured for injection of the cooling fluid into oropharyngeal tissue.
A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
- a. a cooling unit for chilling air;
- and
- b. an applicator for receiving chilled air from the cooling unit, wherein the applicator comprises a tube configured for introducing the chilled air into the oropharynx;
- and an inflatable member configured for sealing the esophagus and preventing the chilled air from entering the lower respiratory tract.
1 more element
A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
- a. a cooling unit for chilling a biocompatible liquid;
- and
- b. an applicator for receiving chilled biocompatible fluid from the cooling unit, wherein the applicator comprises a tube configured for introducing the chilled biocompatible liquid into the oropharynx and an inflatable member configured for sealing the esophagus and preventing aspiration of the chilled biocompatible liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.