Methods and systems for improving airway patency

US8656922B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Apnicure, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Matthias Vaska · Palo Alto, US
• Jonathan L. Podmore · San Francisco, US
• John Edwards Crowe · Menlo Park, US
• Sean Christopher Daniel · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 3, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 25, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F5/566
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An oral device for improving airway patency includes a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency includes a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.