Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8523760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/56
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.