Apparatus and methods for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea utilizing cryolysis of adipose tissue

Abstract

Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising a needle configured for receiving cooling fluid and for piercing oropharyngeal tissue to cause cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue to reduce a volume of the adipose tissue. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the needle is configured for injection of the cooling fluid into the oropharyngeal tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a cooling unit configured for chilling the cooling fluid, the needle being configured for receiving the cooling fluid from the cooling unit. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the needle and cooling fluid are configured to cause cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue to a temperature between 5° C. and −25° C. for one to thirty minutes. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the needle is straight. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the needle is angled. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a reservoir holding the cooling fluid. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the reservoir comprises a syringe.