Methods and systems for improving airway patency
US10426905B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2230/205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for improving airway patency are provided. A medial surface of the patient's tongue is constrained with a tongue constraint of an oral device placed in the oral cavity to generate a clear region between the medial surface and the hard palate. The clear region is in fluid communication with the soft palate. The tongue constraint has superior surface and inferior surfaces configured to generate the clear region. Negative pressure is applied within the oral cavity to hold the soft palate in a position in which the airway is at least partially open. The negative pressure is applied through one or more ports of the oral device. The one or more ports remain unobstructed by the tongue when the negative pressure is applied. The applied negative pressure causes the soft palate and tongue form a seal whereby the patient's airway is substantially fluidly isolated from the clear region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.