Connection rod for a tongue manipulation system

A tongue advancer implant assembly or a tongue advancer removal assembly for insertion into an implant tool or removal tool, the implant assembly or removal assembly comprising:

• a connection rod comprising:
• an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a tapered portion that tapers away from the distal end and is structured to be selectively disposed in an opening of the implant tool or the removal tool;
• a first coupling part configured to couple the distal end of the connection rod to a tongue advancer;
• and
• a second coupling part configured to couple the proximal end of the connection rod to the implant tool or the removal tool,
• wherein:
• the connection rod is configured to transmit a tension or pulling force from the implant tool or the removal tool directly to the tongue advancer such that the tongue advancer is configured to be retracted within the implant tool or removal tool respectively, and
• the connection rod is at least partially hollow and configured to receive the tongue advancer, and a tongue advancer tether attached to the tongue advancer, at least partially within itself;
• and
• a tongue advancer comprising:
• a connection rod coupling coupling the tongue advancer to the distal end of the connection rod, and
• at least one tongue advancer finger configured to be deployed by unfolding, to locate the tongue advancer.

A connection rod for a tongue manipulation device system, the connection rod comprising:

• an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a tapered portion that tapers away from the distal end and is structured to be selectively disposed in an opening of an implant tool or a removal tool;
• a first coupling part configured to directly couple the distal end of the connection rod to a tongue advancer;
• and
• a second coupling part configured to couple the proximal end of the connection rod to an implant tool or a removal tool,
• wherein the second coupling part comprises a friction surface configured to be gripped within the implant tool by a suitable friction wheel that prevents the connection rod from exiting or leaving the implant tool via only frictional forces and provides a ratchet mechanism for providing a tension or pulling force from the implant tool,
• wherein the connection rod is configured to transmit a tension or pulling force from the implant tool or the removal tool to the tongue advancer such that the tongue advancer is configured to be retracted within the implant tool or removal tool respectively, and
• wherein the connection rod is at least partially hollow and configured to receive the tongue advancer, and a tongue advancer tether attached to the tongue advancer, at least partially within itself.