Parameter Optimization in Sleep Apnea Treatment Apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the optimized treatment of obstructive sleep apnea includes a controller coupled to an information storage device, a sensor and a pressure source. The pressure source is coupled to a patient airway. The controller reads information from the information storage device that represents a first operating mode defining a first pressure profile. The controller operates the pressure source to apply the pressure profile to the patient airway. The sensor generates a signal in response to changes in airflow in the patient airway. The controller analyzes the signal and selects a new operating mode in response to the analysis.

1 . A method of treating sleep apnea in a patient airway comprising:
 reading information representing a first operating mode from an information storage device, the first operating mode defining a first pressure profile;   applying the first pressure profile to the patient airway;   analyzing a signal from a sensor that is monitoring the patient airway;   selecting a second operating mode defining a second pressure profile that is different than the first pressure profile based upon analyzing the signal; and   applying the second pressure profile to the patient airway.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising storing the second pressure profile on the information storage device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first pressure profile includes an initial pressure profile and an incident pressure profile. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein applying the first pressure profile includes applying the initial pressure profile before an obstructive event and applying the incident pressure profile in response to an obstructive event. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the second pressure profile has a different initial pressure profile than the first pressure profile. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the second pressure profile has a different incident pressure profile than the first pressure profile. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising generating an alarm if the second pressure profile is not sufficient to mitigate apnea events for the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein reading the information is in response to a mode signal from an input selection device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the information storage device is configured to store a plurality of operating modes including the first operating mode and the second operating mode. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for treating sleep apnea configured to performed the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A method of treating sleep apnea in a patient comprising:
 coupling a pressure source to a patient airway;   applying a first pressure profile to the patient airway;   monitoring a sensor signal responsive to changes in airflow in the patient airway;   analyzing the sensor signal;   generating a new operating mode in response to analyzing the signal from the sensor, the new operating mode defines a second pressure profile that is different than the first pressure profile; and   storing the new operating mode in an information storage device.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first pressure profile includes an initial pressure profile and an incident pressure profile. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein applying the first pressure profile includes applying the initial pressure profile before an obstructive event and applying the incident pressure profile in response to an obstructive event. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the second pressure profile has a different initial pressure profile than the first pressure profile. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the second pressure profile has a different incident pressure profile than the first pressure profile. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein reading the information is in response to a mode signal from an input selection device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the input selection device is a user interface. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the input selection device is a memory card. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for treating sleep apnea according to the method of  claim 11 . 
     
     
         20 . A method of treating sleep apnea in a patient airway comprising:
 providing a controller coupled to an information storage device, a sensor and a pressure source, the information storage device storing information representing a first operating mode defining a first pressure profile;   the controller reading the information;   the controller operating the pressure source to generate the first pressure profile in the patient airway;   the sensor generating a signal responsive to changes in airflow in the patient airway;   the controller responsive to the signal to modify operation of the pressure source in response to an obstructive event;   the controller analyzing the signal; and   the controller storing a new operating mode on the information storage device based upon analyzing the signal.