Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the upper respiratory system
US7216648B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S602/902
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and related methods stabilize tissue in the oral cavity and airway, e.g., the soft palate/uvula and/or tongue. The systems and methods employ an operative element sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity. The operative element is further constructed and arranged to interact with more mobile tissue in the airway to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. The operative element can comprise a suction source sized and configured to draw more mobile tissue toward the suction source. Alternatively, the operative element can comprise a magnetic source sized and configured to magnetically attract material fitted to more mobile tissue in the airway.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.