Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the upper respiratory system
US7921850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S602/902
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods provide a first material sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., the roof of the mouth or upper/lower teeth. The systems and methods provide a second material sized and configured to be releasably fitted to more mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., a region of the tongue. The second material is magnetically attracted toward the first material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. During sleep, the systems and methods restrain movement of the more mobile tissue within the oral cavity toward positions in which snoring and/or sleep apnea events can occur, but are capable of otherwise leaving the tongue unaffected during waking hours.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.