Methods and devices for treating sleep apnea and snoring

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices to prevent or treat upper airway disorders in mammals re lated to impaired airflow. One aspect of this invention is a tongue retractor (LTR) that indirectly retracts tongue base by its implant site in the frenulum area. This simplifies the insertion, adjustment and maintenance of the device. Another aspect of this invention describes a highly localized and fully implantable LTR that is inserted into the base of tongue to stiffen lax surface mucosa or mechanically couple it to internal tongue structures. Another aspect of this invention is an LTR inserted in or around the pharyngoglossal fold. This site allows retraction and stiffening of tongue base tissue as well as the soft palate and lateral pharyngeal wall.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10,597,590, filed June 31, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT / US2005 / 006430, filed February 28, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. §371 A national phase application, this International Patent Application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 547,897, filed February 26, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 765,638, filed February 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to methods and devices for maintaining patency of the upper airway. Background technique [0004] Snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) all involve narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep (...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Any implants in this area are likely to cause internal bleeding and potentially catastrophic tongue swelling

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