Novel Airway Opening Device for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

C11313: Nasal Catheter for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Novelty:

A medical device that mechanically prevents the collapsing of soft tissue on the mouth palate thereby restoring normal breathing during an episode of sleep apnea.

Value Proposition:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the common type of apnea where the soft tissue lining the airway in the throat collapses and restricts airflow causing sudden pauses in breathing during sleep. Commonly used methods to treat sleep apnea require repeated self administration of devices, lifestyle changes or invasive surgical procedures. This invention is a minimally invasive nasal catheter that prevents the collapse of the soft tissue and keeps the airway open aiding normal breathing. Advantages of the device include:

Technical Details:

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a novel nasal catheter that mechanically prevents the collapse of the soft tissue into the posterior pharyngeal wall during episodes of sleep apnea. The device is a nasally inserted catheter with an inflatable balloon cuff at the level of the pharynx. The cuff can be inflated via a syringe connected at the nostril end of the catheter that mechanically prevents the soft tissue from collapsing into the posterior pharyngeal wall. The airway tube is designed to have a U-shaped curve with a small diameter for easy application. In addition, the catheter is equipped with a nostril blocker to prevent deep insertion. In contrast to CPAP masks, this device is completely invisible, does not have any attachments, tubes or cords and hence allows greater comfort, mobility and satisfaction to patients.

Looking for Partners:

To develop & commercialize the technology as a minimally invasive nasal catheter to treat/prevent OSA.

Stage of Development:

Discovery

Data Availability:

Under CDA/NDA

Publications/Associated Cases:

Not available at this time