Tongue retention system
OwnerKasey K. Liinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.
Claims31
A method of treating sleep apnea, comprising:
- positioning a covering at least partially over or upon a tongue of the patient, wherein the covering has a first engagement mechanism positioned on or near an end of the covering such that the first engagement mechanism is positioned to lie upon or near an anterior portion of the tongue;
- positioning a retaining device within the mouth of the patient, wherein the retaining device has a second engagement mechanism thereon for coupling with the first engagement mechanism;
- and
- engaging the first engagement mechanism with the second engagement mechanism whereby axial tension imparted upon the covering by the tongue urges the covering to conform more closely against the tongue to maintain a secure attachment thereto such that an airway is unobstructed by a base of the tongue.
A tongue retaining system, comprising:
- a covering sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient whereby axial tension imparted upon the covering by movement of the tongue urges the covering to conform more closely against the tongue to maintain a secure attachment thereto, the covering having a first engagement mechanism positioned on or near an end of the covering such that the first engagement mechanism is positioned to lie upon or near an anterior portion of the tongue;
- and
- a retaining device sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, the retaining device having a second engagement mechanism thereon for coupling with the first engagement mechanism such that a position of the tongue is maintained within the mouth of the patient.
A method of retaining a position of a tongue within a mouth of a patient, comprising:
- positioning a covering at least partially over or upon a tongue of the patient, wherein the covering has a first engagement mechanism positioned on or near an end of the covering such that the first engagement mechanism is positioned to lie upon or near an anterior portion of the tongue;
- positioning a retaining device within the mouth of the patient, wherein the retaining device has a second engagement mechanism thereon for coupling with the first engagement mechanism;
- and
- engaging the first engagement mechanism with the second engagement mechanism whereby axial tension imparted upon the covering by the tongue urges the covering to conform more closely against the tongue to maintain a secure attachment thereto such that the position of the tongue is retained within the mouth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.