JP2012239575A - Electrode pad, and respiratory tract ensuring apparatus equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrode pad by which the respiratory tract can surely be ensured by simple work, and to provide a respiratory tract ensuring apparatus equipped with the electrode pad.SOLUTION: The respiratory tract ensuring apparatus includes: a stimulation feeding device 3 for feeding an electric stimulation; a pair of electrodes 4 and 5 electrically connected with the stimulation feeding device 3; and a pair of conductive sections 6 and 7 respectively electrically connected with the pair of electrodes 4 and 5, having conductivity, and at the same time, having a pasting surface 10a pasted to the skin of a patient. The pasting surfaces 10a respectively have sizes to be able to cover a range including at least a part of the hyoid bone J1 of the patient J, at least a part of the geniohyoid J3 extending upward from the hyoid bone J1, and at least a part of the sternohyoideus J4 extending downward from the hyoid bone J1, when the patient J is viewed from his/her side.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for securing an airway of a patient in an airway obstruction state.

  Conventionally, the following has been performed to secure an airway for a patient in an airway obstruction state (for example, sleep apnea or airway obstruction state during anesthesia treatment).

  First, put the patient on his back. Next, the patient's lower jaw is pulled up (pulled toward the front of the patient). This lifts the surrounding tissue of the lower jaw, specifically the tissue on the front side of the patient's neck, and opens the airway below the tissue on the front side.

  However, when the patient's lower jaw is pulled up as in the prior art, it is difficult to secure a sufficient airway. Specifically, conventionally, since the tissue on the front side of the neck is indirectly lifted through the soft tissue connected to the lower jaw, the airway cannot be sufficiently secured unless the lower jaw is lifted greatly. In order to raise the lower jaw greatly, a large and complicated work is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode pad capable of reliably securing an airway by a simple operation and an airway securing device including the electrode pad.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present inventor has developed a geniohyoid muscle (denoted by reference symbol J3 in FIGS. 4 and 5) connected to a hyoid bone (denoted by reference symbol J1 in FIGS. 4 and 5) located under the lower jaw. ) And sternohyoid muscle (indicated by symbol J4 in FIGS. 4 and 5), the present invention has been conceived.

  Specifically, it is known that when the hyoid bone J1 moves to the front side of the patient J, the trachea J2 of the patient opens, and when the hyoid bone J1 moves to the back side of the patient J, the trachea J2 becomes narrow. Here, the inventor of the present application pays attention to the fact that the geniohyoid muscle J3 and the sternohyoid muscle J4 for moving the hyoid bone J1 are located near the skin on the front side of the neck of the patient J. The inventors came up with the following invention for applying electrical stimulation to the hyoid muscles J3 and J4 from the outside of the neck.

  The present invention is an electrode pad that can be connected to a stimulus supply device capable of supplying an electrical stimulus, and that is applied to the patient with the electrical stimulus supplied from the stimulus supply device, and is electrically connected to the stimulus supply device A pair of possible electrodes, and a pair of conductive portions that are electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, have conductivity and have an attachment surface that can be attached to a patient's skin, In the state where the patient is seen from the side, the attachment surface of the conductive portion is at least a part of the hyoid bone of the patient, at least a part of the geniohyoid muscle extending upward from the hyoid bone, and a lower side of the hyoid bone There are provided electrode pads each having a size capable of covering a range including at least a portion of the sternohyoid muscle extending in the direction.

  Further, the present invention is an airway securing device for securing a patient's airway, which can be connected to the stimulation supply device capable of supplying electrical stimulation, and is supplied from the stimulation supply device An airway securing device comprising the electrode pad for applying electrical stimulation to a patient is provided.

  In these present inventions, at least a part of the hyoid bone of the patient, at least a part of the geniohyoid muscle, and at least a sternohyoid muscle in a state where the attachment surfaces of the pair of conductive parts are viewed from the side. It has a size capable of covering a range including a part. Therefore, the geniohyoid muscle and the sternohyoid muscle can be contracted by supplying electrical stimulation from the stimulation supply device to these conductive portions. By this contraction, the hyoid bone can be moved to the front side of the patient to widen the airway.

  Therefore, according to this invention, an airway can be ensured reliably by the simple operation | work of sticking an electrode pad to a patient's neck.

  In the airway securing device, the stimulus supply device includes a stimulus supply unit capable of supplying an electrical stimulus to the electrode pad, and an electric signal generated in a patient's muscle to which the electrode pad is attached to the pair of electrodes. It is preferable to include a signal detection unit that detects an electrical stimulus, and a stimulus control unit that controls a supply timing of the electrical stimulation by the stimulus supply unit based on the electrical signal detected by the signal detection unit.

  In this aspect, since the stimulus supply device includes the stimulus supply unit, the signal detection unit, and the stimulus control unit, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation at a time suitable for securing the airway. Specifically, even in an airway obstruction state such as sleep apnea, an electrical signal that attempts to exercise the muscle in a direction to widen the airway is supplied to the muscle at the scheduled inspiration time. However, since the muscles are not exercising in accordance with this electrical signal, the airway is blocked. In the aspect, the electrical signal supplied to the muscle is detected, and the supply timing of the electrical stimulation is controlled based on the detected electrical signal. Therefore, it is possible to bring the scheduled time of inspiration close to the supply timing of electrical stimulation.

  In the airway securing device, the stimulation control unit specifies an inspiration intention signal that the patient intends to inhale out of the electrical signals detected by the signal detection unit, and supplies a predetermined amount from the time of detection of the inspiration intention signal. It is preferable to control the stimulation supply unit so as to supply electrical stimulation over a period of time.

  In this aspect, electrical stimulation is supplied over a predetermined supply period from the detection of the inspiration intention signal. Thereby, since the airway can be widened during the period when the patient tries to inhale, the patient can be surely inhaled. The reason for setting the supply of electrical stimulation to a predetermined supply period is that the patient's inspiration period is generally within a certain range (a range of about 2 seconds to about 6 seconds).

  In the airway securing device, the stimulation control unit controls the stimulation supply unit so that the supply of electrical stimulation is stopped from the expiration of the supply period, and the detection of an electrical signal from the expiration of the supply period. It is preferable to control the signal detector to be started.

  In the above aspect, by alternately performing the supply of electrical stimulation and the detection of electrical signals, the pair of electrodes can be effectively utilized for both the supply of electrical stimulation and signal detection.

  In the airway securing device, the stimulation control unit detects an electrical signal generated in the patient's muscle during a predetermined detection period, and the patient tries to inhale based on the electrical signal detected by the signal detection unit. A period of a start timing of the inspiration intention signal to be performed is specified, and the stimulus supply unit is controlled so that an electrical stimulus is supplied in accordance with the period of the start timing of the inspiration intention signal after the detection period has elapsed. preferable.

  In this aspect, the period of the start timing of the inspiration intention signal is specified based on the detected electric signal, and the electrical stimulation is supplied in accordance with the period of the start timing of the inspiration intention signal. That is, in the above aspect, the electrical stimulation is supplied on the assumption that the period of the start timing of the inspiration intention signal detected during the detection period is the start timing of the subsequent inspiration intention signal. Therefore, the number of electrical signal detections can be reduced compared to the case where electrical stimulation is supplied when detecting the inspiration intention signal.

  The electrode pad further includes a connecting member that connects the pair of conductive portions so that a gap is formed, and the connecting member is attached to the patient with the gap and the patient's midline positioned in a front view. When worn, at least a portion of the hyoid bone, at least a portion of the geniohyoid muscle, and at least a portion of the sternohyoid muscle can be sandwiched in the left-right direction by the pair of conductive portions. It is preferable to connect the pair of conductive portions.

  In this aspect, electrical stimulation can be supplied in a state where the geniohyoid muscle and sternohyoid muscle are sandwiched from the left and right sides by the pair of conductive portions. Thereby, the electrical stimulation for moving the hyoid bone can be more effectively supplied to each muscle. Moreover, in the said aspect, a pair of electroconductive part is connected by the connection part. Therefore, by positioning the gap between the pair of conductive portions on the patient's midline, the pair of conductive portions can be easily disposed on the left and right side surfaces of the patient's neck, and the pair of conductive portions are handled separately. It becomes easier to handle.

  In the electrode pad, it is preferable that the pair of conductive portions have a symmetrical shape with respect to the gap.

  In this aspect, the pair of conductive portions have a symmetrical shape with respect to the gap. Therefore, electrical stimulation can be evenly supplied from the left and right sides to the geniohyoid muscle and sternohyoid muscle.

  In the electrode pad, the connecting member preferably connects the pair of conductive portions so that a linear gap is formed as the gap.

  In this aspect, a linear gap is formed between the pair of conductive portions. Therefore, by positioning the gap so as to be along the midline, the pair of conductive portions can be easily arranged on both the left and right sides of the patient's neck.

  According to the present invention, an airway can be reliably ensured by a simple operation.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the airway ensuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the specific structure of the electrode pad of FIG. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a side schematic diagram for explaining a patient's tissue, and shows a state where the hyoid bone is located on the back side. It is a bottom outline diagram for explaining a patient's organization. It is a timing chart which shows the detection signal from a patient, and the supply state of electrical stimulation. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the stimulus supply apparatus of FIG. It is the side surface schematic for demonstrating a patient's structure | tissue, and shows the state which the hyoid bone moved to the surface side.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the airway securing device 1 includes an electrode pad 2 and a stimulus supply device 3 that supplies electrical stimulation to a patient J via the electrode pad 2.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode pad 2 is electrically connected to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 electrically connected to the stimulation supply device 3, and is electrically conductive. The first conductive portion 6 is formed, the second conductive portion 7 is electrically connected to the second electrode 5 and has conductivity, and the linear gap D1 is formed. And a connection sheet 8 for connecting the second conductive portion 7 to each other.

  The electrode pad 2 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the center line C1 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C1 and have the same shape. The first conductive portion 6 and the second conductive portion 7 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C1 and have a symmetrical shape. Therefore, in the following description, the 1st electrode 4 and the 1st electroconductive part 6 are demonstrated, and description of the 2nd electrode 5 and the 2nd electroconductive part 7 is abbreviate | omitted.

  With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the 1st electrode 4 is an electrode electrically connected with respect to the stimulus supply apparatus 3 mentioned later. Specifically, the first electrode 4 includes a circular electrode plate 4 a and a connection portion 4 b for connecting the electrode plate 4 a to the stimulus supply device 3. Specifically, the connection portion 4b is erected on the surface of the electrode plate 4a.

  The first conductive portion 6 is electrically connected to the first electrode 4 and has conductivity, and is laminated on the conductive layer 9 and attached to the skin of the patient J. A possible adhesive layer 10. The conductive layer 9 is formed by printing conductive ink (for example, conductive carbon ink [paste]) on a connection sheet 8 described later. Although FIG. 2 shows the conductive layer 9 formed in a range other than the electrode plate 4a of the first electrode 4, the conductive layer 9 may be formed to cover the electrode plate 4a. The adhesive layer 10 is a gel that can be attached to the skin of the patient J and has electrical conductivity. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a hydrogel such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate containing an ionic compound (for example, sodium chloride, lithium perchlorate, potassium chloride, lithium chloride), or a polyurethane gel containing an ionic compound. The adhesive layer 10 is prepared by adjusting the content of the compound so that its electric resistance is about 0.5 to 200 KΩ · cm. Moreover, in this embodiment, the surface on the opposite side to the connection sheet 8 of the adhesion layer 10 comprises the adhesion surface 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the affixing surface 10a extends substantially upward from the hyoid bone J1 and the hyoid bone J1 in a state where the patient J is viewed from the side and the hyoid bone J1 (shown by hatching in a solid line). Covers the area including the lower part of the geniohyoid muscle J3 (shown by hatching with a dashed line) and the upper part of the sternohyoid muscle J4 (shown by hatching with a dashed line) extending downward from the hyoid J1 Have a large size. Here, the hyoid bone J1 is provided in front of the trachea J2, and the front side of the patient J is formed in a convex arc shape when the lower jaw J7 is viewed from below as shown in FIG. . When the hyoid bone J1 moves to the back side, the tissue on the back side of the hyoid bone J1 is pushed to the back side, thereby narrowing the space in the trachea J2, that is, the airway. The geniohyoid muscle J3 is a muscle extending upward from the hyoid bone J1 to the front side. The sternohyoid muscle J4 is a muscle extending downward from the hyoid bone J1 along the skin on the front side of the neck. As both the geniohyoid muscle J3 and the sternohyoid muscle J4 contract, the hyoid bone J1 moves to the front side as shown in FIG. 8, and the tissue on the back side of the hyoid bone J1 moves to the front side. The airway becomes wider by moving to.

  In addition, in the state which looked at the lower jaw J7 of the patient J from the bottom, the sticking surface 10a which concerns on this embodiment is a part of the maxillohyoid muscle J5 provided on the hyoid bone J1, as shown in FIG. And a portion including the part of the second jaw abdominal muscle J6 provided under the hyoid bone J1. The hyoid bone J1 also moves to the front side by contraction of these muscles J5 and J6.

  The connection sheet 8 connects the conductive portions 6 and 7 so that a linear gap D1 along the center line C1 of the electrode pad 2 is formed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the conductive layer 9 is not provided in a portion corresponding to the gap D <b> 1 in the connecting sheet 8. The connection sheet 8 is made of a material (for example, polyethylene terephthalate) having a smaller conductivity than the conductive layer 9. In the present embodiment, the adhesive layer 10 is provided in the portion corresponding to the gap D1 in the connecting sheet 8, and the energization between the conductive parts 6 and 7 via the adhesive layer 10 is performed as described above. It is suppressed by adjusting a voltage and / or a frequency (for example, a gap of 20 mm, a voltage of 30 V, and a frequency of 150 Hz) applied between the gap D1 and / or both electrodes 4 and 5. In order to prevent energization between the conductive parts 6 and 7 without adjusting the voltage and / or frequency, the adhesive layer 10 corresponding to the gap D1 of the connecting sheet 8 can be omitted.

  Next, a procedure for attaching the electrode pad 2 to the patient J will be described. First, the linear gap D1 between the two conductive portions 6 and 7 is positioned according to the median line of the patient J (the center line in the left-right direction). Specifically, when the patient J is viewed from the front, the center line C1 of the electrode pad 2 is matched with the midline of the patient J. In this state, the gap D1 portion of the electrode pad 2 is adhered to the front surface of the patient J's neck, and the conductive portions 6 and 7 located on the left and right sides of the gap D1 are curved toward the back side of the patient J. Adhere to the side of patient J's neck. As a result, the geniohyoid muscle J3 and sternohyoid muscle J4 of the patient J are sandwiched between the conductive portions 6 and 7 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the maxillohyoid muscle J5 and the second abdominal muscle J6 of the patient J are also sandwiched between the conductive portions 6 and 7 from side to side. As will be described in detail later, when the electrical stimulus is supplied from the stimulus supply device 3 while being attached to the patient J in this manner, the hyoid bone J1 of the patient J moves to the front side, and the patient J's Airway is secured.

  The stimulus supply device 3 includes a stimulus supply unit 11 that can supply an electrical stimulus to the electric pad 2, and an electric signal generated in the muscle of the patient J to which the electrode pad 2 is attached. A signal detection unit 12 to detect via, a stimulus control unit 14 for controlling the supply timing of the electrical stimulation by the stimulus supply unit 11 based on the electrical signal detected by the signal detection unit 12, and for the start or end of control And an operation unit 15 for inputting a command to the stimulus control unit 14.

  The stimulus supply unit 11 is electrically connected to both the electrodes 4 and 5 and supplies a low frequency electrical stimulus (for example, a voltage of 30 V and a frequency of 150 Hz) to both the electrodes 4 and 5.

  The signal detection unit 12 is electrically connected to both the electrodes 4 and 5 and detects an electrical signal generated in a muscle that is electrically connected to the both electrodes 4 and 5. Specifically, the signal detector 12 detects an electrical signal Si as shown in FIG.

  The stimulus control unit 14 specifies an inspiration intention signal that the patient J intends to inhale out of the electric signal Si detected by the signal detection unit 12. Specifically, the stimulus control unit 14 determines that the portion of the electric signal Si shown in FIG. 6 that vibrates at a frequency of 50 Hz or more and an amplitude of 0.1 mV or more is the inspiration intention signal. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the stimulation controller 14 supplies electrical stimulation over a predetermined supply period (for example, 2 seconds) from the time when the inspiration intention signal is detected (indicated as ON in FIG. 6). After the supply period elapses, the supply of the electric signal is stopped (shown as OFF in FIG. 6). Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the stimulation control unit 14 specifies the detection of the inspiration intention signal at time t <b> 1 and supplies the electrical stimulation during the period from time t <b> 1 to time t <b> 2. Then, the stimulus control unit 14 starts detection of the electric signal from time t2, specifies the detection of the inspiration intention signal again at time t3, and supplies the electric signal during the period from time t3 to time t4. Similarly, after that, the stimulus control unit 14 starts detection of the electrical signal from time t4 and specifies detection of the inspiration intention signal at time t5.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the stimulus control unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the electrode pad 2 is attached to the neck of the patient J as described above prior to the start of processing by the stimulus control unit 14.

  The process by the stimulus control unit 14 is started by a start operation by the operation unit 15 (YES in step S1). When the process is started, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal detection unit 12 detects the electrical signal Si generated in the muscle of the patient J to which the electrodes 4 and 5 are attached (step S2). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electrical signal Si detected by the signal detection unit 12 is an intake intention signal (step S3). Here, if it is determined that the inspiration intention signal is not detected as in the period before time t1, the period from time t2 to t3, or the period from time t4 to t5 shown in FIG. 6 (in step S3). NO), the electrical signal Si is repeatedly detected. On the other hand, when it is determined that the inhalation intention signal is detected (YES in step S3) at time t1, time t3, and time t5 shown in FIG. 6, the detection of the electric signal Si is stopped (step S4).

  Next, an electrical stimulus is supplied by the stimulus supply unit 11 (step S5). This electrical stimulation is continuously supplied for a predetermined period (in this embodiment, 2 seconds) (step S5 is executed until YES is determined in step S6). Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, electrical stimulation is supplied for 2 seconds from the time point t1 to the time point t2, the time point t3 to the time point t4, and the time point t5. By supplying this electrical stimulus, the muscles of patient J (especially geniohyoid muscle J3, sternohyoid muscle J4, maxillohyoid muscle J5 and second maxillary abdominal muscle J6) contract and airway is secured by expanding trachea J2. Is done. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when electrical stimulation is supplied to a patient J whose trachea J2 is partially narrowed by the hyoid bone J1 being located on the back side as shown in FIG. The hyoid bone J1 moves to the front side of the patient J by the contraction of the geniohyoid muscle J3 and the sternohyoid muscle J4. As a result, the tissue located on the back side of the hyoid bone J1 also moves to the front side, and the trachea J2 located on the back side of the tissue expands. In the present embodiment, since the electrical stimulation is also supplied to the maxillohyoid muscle J5 and the second maxillary abdominal muscle J6, the hyoid bone J1 moves to the front side also by contraction of these muscles J5, J6. . Accordingly, the airway of the patient J can be secured widely during the period in which the electrical stimulation is supplied in step S5. Thereby, the patient J can inhale quickly. When the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in step S6), the provision of electrical stimulation is stopped (step S7), and the process returns to step S2.

  In this embodiment, after the start operation by the operation unit 15 is input in Step S1 (after it is determined YES in Step S1), the stop operation by the operation unit 15 is performed in parallel with Steps S2 to S7. It is determined whether or not an input has been made (step S8). If it is determined in step S8 that a stop operation has been input (YES in step S8), the processing of the stimulus control unit 14 ends regardless of the execution of steps S2 to S7.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, in the state where the attachment surfaces 10a of the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 are viewed from the side of the patient J, the entire hyoid bone J1 and the lower portion of the geniohyoid muscle J3 And an area including the upper portion of the sternohyoid muscle J4. Therefore, the geniohyoid muscle J3 and the sternohyoid muscle J4 can be contracted by supplying electrical stimulation from the stimulation supply device 3 to the conductive portions 6 and 7. By this contraction, the hyoid bone J1 can be moved to the front side of the patient to widen the airway.

  Therefore, according to the said embodiment, an airway can be ensured reliably by the simple operation | work which sticks the electrode pad 2 to a patient's neck.

  The affixing surface 10a has at least a part of the hyoid bone J1, at least a part of the geniohyoid muscle J3, and at least a part of the sternohyoid muscle J4 in a state where the patient J is viewed from the side. What is necessary is just to have the magnitude | size which can coat | cover the range to include. By supplying electrical stimulation from the stimulus supply device 3 to the sticking surface 10a having this size, the hyoid bone J1 can be moved to the front side of the patient to widen the airway.

  In the said embodiment, since the stimulus supply apparatus 3 has the stimulus supply part 11, the signal detection part 12, and the stimulus control part 14, an electrical stimulus can be given at the time suitable for ensuring an airway. Specifically, even in an airway occlusion state such as sleep apnea, an electrical signal Si that attempts to exercise the muscle in a direction to widen the airway is supplied to the muscle at the time of scheduled inspiration. However, since the muscles are not exercising in accordance with the electrical signal Si, the airway is blocked. In the embodiment, the electrical signal Si supplied to the muscle is detected, and the supply timing of the electrical stimulation is controlled based on the detected electrical signal Si. Therefore, it is possible to bring the scheduled time of inspiration close to the supply timing of electrical stimulation.

  In the embodiment, the electrical stimulation is supplied for a predetermined supply period (2 seconds in this embodiment) from the detection of the inspiration intention signal. Thereby, since the airway can be widened during the period when the patient J tries to inhale, the patient J can be surely inhaled. The reason for setting the supply of electrical stimulation to a predetermined supply period is that the patient's inspiration period is generally within a certain range (a range of about 2 seconds to about 6 seconds).

  In the embodiment, by alternately supplying electrical stimulation and detecting electrical signals, the pair of electrodes can be effectively used for both supplying electrical stimulation and detecting electrical signals.

  In the embodiment, electrical stimulation can be supplied with the geniohyoid muscle J3 and sternohyoid muscle J4 sandwiched from the left and right sides by the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7. Thereby, the electrical stimulation for exercising the hyoid bone J1 can be more effectively supplied to each muscle. In the embodiment, the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 are connected by the connecting sheet 8. Therefore, by positioning the gap D1 between the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 at the midline of the patient J, the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 can be easily disposed on the left and right side surfaces of the patient J's neck. The pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 can be handled more easily than separately.

  In the embodiment, the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the gap D1. Therefore, electrical stimulation can be evenly supplied from the left and right sides to the geniohyoid muscle J3 and sternohyoid muscle J4.

  In the embodiment, the linear gap D1 is formed between the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7. Therefore, by positioning the gap D1 along the midline, the pair of conductive portions 6 and 7 can be easily disposed on the left and right sides of the patient J's neck.

  In the above-described embodiment, the electric signal is supplied for a predetermined supply period from the detection of the inspiration intention signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrical signal Si is detected for a certain period (for example, 1 minute), the period of the start timing of the inhalation intention signal is specified based on the detected electrical signal Si, and the period of the start timing of the inhalation intention signal is matched. It is also possible to supply electrical stimulation. That is, it is also possible to supply the electric signal assuming that the period of the start timing of the intake intention signal detected during the detection period is the start timing of the subsequent intake intention signal. In this way, the number of times of detection of the electric signal Si can be reduced as compared with the case where the electric signal is supplied when detecting the inhalation intention signal.

D1 gap J patient J1 hyoid bone J2 trachea J3 geniohyoid muscle J4 sternohyoid muscle J7 mandibular Si electrical signal 1 airway securing device 2 electrode pad 3 stimulus supply device 4 first electrode 5 second electrode 6 first conductive part 7 first 2 conductive parts 8 connecting sheet (an example of connecting member)
10a Adhesion surface 11 Stimulation supply unit 12 Signal detection unit 14 Stimulation control unit

Claims (9)

An electrode pad connectable to a stimulation supply device capable of supplying electrical stimulation, and is an electrode pad for giving a patient electrical stimulation supplied from the stimulation supply device,
A pair of electrodes electrically connectable to the stimulus supply device;
A pair of conductive portions electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, having conductivity and having an attachment surface that can be attached to a patient's skin;
When the patient is viewed from the side, the attachment surfaces of the pair of conductive portions are at least a part of the hyoid bone of the patient, at least a part of the geniohyoid muscle extending upward from the hyoid bone, and the tongue Electrode pads each having a size capable of covering a range including at least a part of the sternohyoid muscle extending downward from the bone. An airway securing device for securing a patient's airway,
A stimulation supply device capable of supplying electrical stimulation;
An airway securing device, comprising: the electrode pad according to claim 1, which is connectable to the stimulation supply device, and is used to give an electrical stimulus supplied from the stimulation supply device to a patient.   The stimulus supply device includes a stimulus supply unit capable of supplying an electrical stimulus to the electrode pad, and a signal detection for detecting an electrical signal generated in a patient's muscle to which the electrode pad is attached via the pair of electrodes. The airway securing device according to claim 2, further comprising a stimulation control unit configured to control a supply timing of electrical stimulation by the stimulation supply unit based on an electrical signal detected by the signal detection unit.   The stimulation control unit specifies an inspiration intention signal to be inhaled by the patient from the electric signals detected by the signal detection unit, and supplies electric stimulation over a predetermined supply period from the detection of the inspiration intention signal. The airway securing device according to claim 3, wherein the stimulation supply unit is controlled to do so.   The stimulation control unit controls the stimulation supply unit so that the supply of electrical stimulation is stopped from the expiration of the supply period, and the detection of the electrical signal is started from the expiration of the supply period. The airway securing device according to claim 4, which controls the signal detection unit.   The stimulation control unit detects an electrical signal generated in the patient's muscle during a predetermined detection period, and starts an inspiration intention signal that the patient intends to inhale based on the electrical signal detected by the signal detection unit The airway according to claim 3, wherein a period of time is specified, and the stimulation supply unit is controlled so that an electrical stimulation is supplied in accordance with a period of a start timing of the inspiration intention signal after the detection period has elapsed. Securing device. A connecting member that connects the pair of conductive portions so that a gap is formed;
When the connection member is attached to a patient in a state where the gap and the patient's midline are positioned in front view, at least a part of the hyoid bone, at least a part of the geniohyoid muscle, and the 2. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the pair of conductive parts are coupled so that at least a part of the sternohyoid muscle can be sandwiched in the left-right direction by the pair of conductive parts.   The electrode pad according to claim 7, wherein the pair of conductive portions have a symmetrical shape with respect to the gap.   The electrode pad according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the connecting member connects the pair of conductive portions such that a linear gap is formed as the gap.

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