Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
First Claim
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1. An implant system comprising a ferromagnetic material sized and configured for implanting in a tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall along a pharyngeal conduit, and a source of magnetic force sized and configured for placement to interact with the ferromagnetic material to resist collapse of the tissue region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. An implant system comprising
a ferromagnetic material sized and configured for implanting in a tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall along a pharyngeal conduit, and a source of magnetic force sized and configured for placement to interact with the ferromagnetic material to resist collapse of the tissue region.
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8. An implant system comprising
a ferromagnetic material sized and configured for implanting in one of a soft tissue region defining a portion of a pharyngeal conduit, a soft tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall, and combinations thereof, and a source of magnetic force sized and configured for implanting in one of a tongue, an epiglottis, a soft palate/uvula, a vallecula, in another soft tissue region in a lateral pharyngeal wall, in an opposite lateral pharyngeal wall, and combinations thereof, to repel the ferromagnetic material and resist collapse of the soft tissue region.
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10. An implant system comprising
a ferromagnetic material sized and configured for implanting in a tongue, and a source of magnetic force sized and configured for placement to interact with the ferromagnetic material in the tongue.
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31. An implant device comprising
at least two discrete sources of magnetism, and a flexible polymer matrix carrying the at least two discrete sources of magnetism in a spaced apart relationship, the polymer matrix allow flexure between the sources of magnetism.
Specification