Devices, systems and methods using magnetic force systems affecting the tongue or hyoid muscles in the upper airway

US8020560B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Joe Paraschac · San Jose, US
• Ryan Boucher · San Francisco, US
• Edward M. Gillis · Livermore, US
• Octavian Iancea · Fremont, US
• Andrew W. Kramer · Los Gatos, US
• Brian K. McCollum · Redwood City, US
• Scott A. McGill · San Ramon, US
• Lionel Nelson · Los Altos Hills, US
• Andres D. Tomas · Union City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 3, 2006
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2011
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S602/902
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.