Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8413661B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pharyngeal retractor device and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes a retracting element and a tissue engaging element that promotes tissue ingrowth around or onto the retracting element. The device is implanted in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to alter the shape of the wall. The device may be implanted through the oral cavity alone or by using a trocar or a hand-held delivery system to deliver the device through the pharyngeal wall. Alternatively, the device may be implanted using an open, direct visualization approach from the side of a patient's neck.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.