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US 9,517,340 B2Granted
Hybrid method for modulating upper airway function in a subject
AssigneeCase Western Reserve University
InventorDustin J. Tyler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively.
Claims9
A system, comprising:
- a first electrode coupled to a first signal generator configured to apply a first therapy signal that modulates an extrinsic laryngeal muscle of a subject according to a first timing parameter to promote anteriosuperior motion of the hyolaryngeal complex;
- and
- a second electrode coupled to a second signal generator configured to apply a second therapy signal that modulates a recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) of the subject according to a second timing parameter to promote vocal fold closure;
- and
- a controller coupled to the first signal generator and the second signal generator configured to adjust the first timing parameter and the second timing parameter to promote swallowing based on synergistic anteriosuperior motion of the hyolaryngeal complex and vocal fold closure to prevent or mitigate aspiration in the subject during a swallow cycle.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.