This project aims to develop an experimental therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. The PI proposes to use a multi-channel stimulation technique for selective activation of portions of the hypoglossal nerve to activate individual tongue muscles selectively. Such stimulation might increase control over the tongue muscles and improve efficiency for electrical stimulation to remove pharyngeal obstruction. There are 3 aims to be tested in dogs.
Aim 1 will determine the maximum muscle selectivity that can be obtained with a multi-contact electrode on the hypoglossal nerve.
Aim 2 will evaluate the mechanical dilation of the airways due to selective stimulation.
Aim 3 will determine the optimum electrode geometries and stimulation paradigms for airway dilation in chronic dogs. It is anticipated that the experimental delineation and validation of these methods will lead to a design of a neuroprosthetic device for the treatment of OSA.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL066267-01
Application #
6232539
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-5 (01))
Program Officer
Twery, Michael
Project Start
2001-02-01
Project End
2004-12-31
Budget Start
2001-02-01
Budget End
2001-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$178,890
Indirect Cost
Name
Case Western Reserve University
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
077758407
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44106
Yoo, Paul B; Durand, Dominique M (2005) Effects of selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation on canine upper airway mechanics. J Appl Physiol 99:937-43
Yoo, Paul B; Durand, Dominique M (2005) Selective recording of the canine hypoglossal nerve using a multicontact flat interface nerve electrode. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 52:1461-9
Yoo, Paul B; Sahin, Mesut; Durand, Dominique M (2004) Selective stimulation of the canine hypoglossal nerve using a multi-contact cuff electrode. Ann Biomed Eng 32:511-9