TONGUE DEFORMATION IMPLANT
First Claim
1. An implant for treating obstructive airway disorders comprising an element forming a helix in a helical section of the implant adapted such that the implant is helically insertable along the base of the tongue along a helically pierced pathway, wherein the element is arranged to produce a force directed toward an axis of the helix, such that, when implanted, the implant compresses the tongue by the force directed toward the axis of the helix.
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Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a method and apparatus for a tongue implant to induce deformation of the tongue made of Nitinol in superelastic state at body temperature for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In one embodiment the implant has a function of a V shaped spring, one leg helically inserted into the tongue, the other leg beneath the root of the tongue, to permanently compress the tongue. In another embodiment, there is provided a method and apparatus for placement of a helical implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it and stiffening it to maintain tongue stability for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
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Citations
43 Claims
- 1. An implant for treating obstructive airway disorders comprising an element forming a helix in a helical section of the implant adapted such that the implant is helically insertable along the base of the tongue along a helically pierced pathway, wherein the element is arranged to produce a force directed toward an axis of the helix, such that, when implanted, the implant compresses the tongue by the force directed toward the axis of the helix.
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11. (canceled)
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14-17. -17. (canceled)
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21. (canceled)
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23-24. -24. (canceled)
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26. (canceled)
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28-31. -31. (canceled)
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33-42. -42. (canceled)
Specification