Tether line systems and methods for tongue or other tissue suspension or compression
US11064991B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3966
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.