Tongue stabilization device and methods of using the same

Details Tongue stabilization device and methods of using the same Tongue stabilization device and methods of using the same

2011-03-22

2011-03-22

Bianco, Patricia M (Department: 3772)

Surgery

Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants

Antisnoring device

C602S902000, C604S077000, C604S095040, C604S134000, C267S073000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07909038

ABSTRACT:
An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The implant is an implant for stabilizing the tongue, the implant having an anchoring portion for securing a first end of the implant with the mandibula; a control portion connected with the anchoring portion, configured for selectively activating the implant; a flexible portion connected at its proximal end with the control portion, where the flexible portion has three-dimensional flexibility in a first state and where the flexible portion has a lesser three-dimensional flexibility in a second state, and where the flexible portion is selectively switchable between the first and second state by the control portion; an anchoring portion for connecting the implant with the base of the tongue connected with the flexible portion, and a latch mechanism coupled with the control portion and configured to maintain the flexible portion in either of the first and second states. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

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