Implant system for controlling airway passage
US8555891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/56
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.