IMPLANT FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP DISORDERS
First Claim
1. An airway implant device comprising an implanted portion comprising an actuator element and a housing, the housing comprising at least one energizing element adapted and configured to energize said actuator element and said actuator element adapted and configured to support an air passageway.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises an actuator element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the actuator element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls in order to prevent the collapse of an air passageway. Some embodiments of the invention include a sensor capable of sensing the possible occurrence of an apneic event and activating the actuator element of the airway implant device. Some embodiments include a housing designed to conform to the shape of the palate. Some embodiments include an attachment element to secure the device to tissue. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.
60 Citations
58 Claims
- 1. An airway implant device comprising an implanted portion comprising an actuator element and a housing, the housing comprising at least one energizing element adapted and configured to energize said actuator element and said actuator element adapted and configured to support an air passageway.
Specification