Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8783258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.