Tongue deformation implant
First Claim
1. An implant for treating obstructive airway disorders comprising an element forming a helix having a helix axis in a helical section of the implant wherein, at body temperature, the helical section is elastic and exhibits an oval shape as seen along the helix axis, such that, when implanted along a helically pierced pathway in the tongue, the implant compresses the tongue by a force directed toward the helix axis.
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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 nickel titanium alloy 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.
70 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. An implant for treating obstructive airway disorders comprising an element forming a helix having a helix axis in a helical section of the implant wherein, at body temperature, the helical section is elastic and exhibits an oval shape as seen along the helix axis, such that, when implanted along a helically pierced pathway in the tongue, the implant compresses the tongue by a force directed toward the helix axis.
Specification