Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area
First Claim
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1. A method for treating an upper airway condition of a patient, said method comprising:
- selecting a solid implant of pre-formed dimensions and formed of biocompatible fibers formed of a material selected to induce a fibrotic response of material amount, said implant being sized for implantation into a soft tissue area of said patient, said biocompatible fibers being selected to stiffen said soft tissue area passively, and without application of external energy, alter a dynamic response of said tissue to airflow; and
implanting said implant into said soft tissue area to stiffen said soft tissue area for treatment of said upper airway condition.
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Abstract
A patient'"'"'s upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for treating an upper airway condition of a patient, said method comprising:
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selecting a solid implant of pre-formed dimensions and formed of biocompatible fibers formed of a material selected to induce a fibrotic response of material amount, said implant being sized for implantation into a soft tissue area of said patient, said biocompatible fibers being selected to stiffen said soft tissue area passively, and without application of external energy, alter a dynamic response of said tissue to airflow; and implanting said implant into said soft tissue area to stiffen said soft tissue area for treatment of said upper airway condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeMedtronic Xomed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
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Original AssigneeRestore Medical, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
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InventorsKnudson, Mark B., Tweden, Katherine S., Conrad, Timothy R.
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Primary Examiner(s)Gilbert, Samuel G.
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Application NumberUS10/825,249Publication NumberTime in Patent Office825 DaysField of Search128897-899, 128/848, 128/846, 128859-862, 602/902, 623/9, 623/11.11, 623/23.72, 600/4.11, 600/12, 424/434, 424/423, 523/115US Class Current128/898CPC Class CodesA61F 2/0059 Cosmetic or alloplastic imp...A61F 5/56 Devices for preventing snor...
