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Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea

  • US 8,561,617 B2
  • Filed: 10/30/2008
  • Issued: 10/22/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:

  • providing an elongated element including a central area having first and second ends, a first arm extending from the first end of the central area, and a second arm extending from the second end of the central area, said first and second arms having integral anchoring elements provided at distal, free ends of said first and second arms;

    implanting the central area of said elongated element in a tongue;

    advancing said first and second arms through said tongue until said distal, free ends of said first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature;

    applying tension to said first and second arms for moving a posterior surface of said tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall;

    directly engaging soft tissue in the inframandibular musculature with said integral anchoring elements provided at said distal, free ends of said first and second arms for anchoring said first and second arms to the inframandibular musculature.

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