A Neural Prosthesis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is generated by a collapse of the soft tissue and tongue in the oropharynx that can block the airway passages during sleep and affects nearly…
Neurostimulation for Asthma
Abstract Asthma is a debilitating and life-threatening disorder resulting in 2 million emergency room visits each year and 500,000 hospital admissions. Asthma is characterized, in part, by smooth muscle contraction,…
Neural Control of the Gastrointestinal System
Abstract In communication between the central nervous system (CNS), autonomic nervous system (ANS), and the enteric nervous system (ENS), sensory afferent fibers relay information pertaining to varying conditions, while efferent…
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Abdominal Pain
Abstract In the United States alone, between 20% and 45% of population will suffer from chronic visceral pain during their lifetime. Fewer than 50%–70% of the patients will have a…
Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea
Abstract Central sleep apnea (CSA) is highly prevalent, especially in patients with cardiovascular and neurological disorders. It has important detrimental effects on sleep quality and oxygenation, resulting in daytime sleepiness…
Upper Airway Neurostimulation to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Abstract Upper airway neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve (Cranial Nerve XII) is a newly available therapy for a select group of patients suffering from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea…
Stimulation for Inspiration
Abstract Mechanical ventilation (MV), although lifesaving, has significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. One of the primary causes of prolonged MV is diaphragm control abnormalities causing disuse atrophy. Diaphragm…
Baroreceptor Activation for Hypertension and Heart Failure
Abstract The rising incidence of hypertension and the increasing prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension carry significant societal impact from a public health perspective. Nonpharmacologic adjuncts to the treatment of hypertension are…
The Development of Visual Prosthetic Devices to Restore Vision to the Blind
Abstract Aged related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are two degenerative diseases that affect mainly the photoreceptors layer, rendering the retina unable to translate light into biological signals…
Stimulation for the Return of Hearing
Abstract Highly useful hearing, including speech reception without any visual cues, can be reinstated or produced for the first time with a cochlear implant—a device that bypasses damaged or missing…
