Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
AssigneeEthicon, Inc.
InventorsKevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, John R. Jaccobs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.
Claims22
A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
- a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough;
- and
- a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross-section along a length thereof, wherein the ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling said ribbon-like element with said first implant.
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
- implanting a first implant having at least one aperture therethrough in an inframandibular region;
- implanting at least a portion of a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross-section along a length thereof in a tongue,
- passing said first end of said ribbon-like element through said at least one aperture in said first implant,
- passing said second end of said ribbon-like element through said at least one aperture in said first implant.
A kit for treating a sleep apnea patient, comprising:
- a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region;
- a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross-section along a length thereof, and adapted for implantation in a tongue and for coupling with the first implant;
- at least one introducer;
- at least one snare adapted to pass through said introducer, and having a distal end adapted to couple with the first end of said ribbon-like element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.