Tongue implant
US7703460B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An airway condition of a patient's is treated by selecting an implant sized to be implanted within a tongue of the patient. The implant has a tissue-engaging member sized to be implanted within the tongue near a base of the tongue to oppose relative movement between the tissue-engaging member and surrounding tissue of the tongue. The implant further has an elongated tether member with a first end secured to the tissue-engaging member. The implant is placed within the tongue with the tissue-engaging member implanted within tissue of the tongue near the base and with the tether member extending from the first end to a second end near a jaw bone of the patient. The second end of the tether is secured to the jaw bone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.