System for adjustable tissue anchors
US7975700B2 · kind B2 · utility
25Cited by
116References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/56
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.