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Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea

  • US 7,992,566 B2
  • Filed: 07/22/2003
  • Issued: 08/09/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea in a human or an animal having an oropharyngeal region with lateral and posterior walls, a soft palate, a valecullar space and an epiglottis, the method comprising:

  • providing an appliance made of a biocompatible metal below a soft palate of a human or animal in or radially outwardly from the lateral and posterior walls of an oropharyngeal region of the human or animal, the appliance so provided having at least two laterally positioned elements substantially longitudinally spaced apart from each other to define an open interior space therebetween and providing an opening force against the lateral walls of the oropharyngeal region,wherein the appliance comprises resilient wire.

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