NEUROMODULATION OF THE GLOSSOPHARYNGAL NERVE TO IMPROVE SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING

摘要

Methods and systems are provided to improve SDB in a patient suffering therefrom by delivering an electrical neuromodulation signal to at least a target site comprising an efferent fiber of the glossopharyngeal nerve that innervates pharyngeal constrictor muscles or the stylopharyngeus muscle. Methods include further delivering electrical neuromodulation signals to other sites including one or more combinations of the ansa cervicalis, the hypoglossal nerve, the palatoglossus muscle, and/or the palatopharyngeus muscle. The electrical neuromodulation signal delivered to efferent fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve can be done independent of a detected sensory or input signal that measures the neuromuscular state of the patient's airway.