Apparatus and method for ventral only ablation of the tongue
US9554852B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0817
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.