Implantable devices, systems, and methods for maintaining desired orientations in targeted tissue regions

An implant system comprising:

• at least one implant structure sized and configured for surgical implantation in, on, or near an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue, and
• means for stabilizing the position of the implant structure relative to the extrinsic muscle region to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation, wherein the means for stabilizing is adapted to be surgically implemented,
• wherein the means for stabilizing comprises at least one anchoring component sized and configured to couple the implant structure to a mandible, and
• wherein the implant structure comprises one or more of:
• a spring member extending within the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,
• an elastomeric structure extending within the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,
• a bracing member that spans the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,
• a bracing member sized and configured to deflect the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,
• a hooking member extending through the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,
• a hooking member overlaying, at least in part, the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue, or
• a hooking member sized and configured to deflect the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue.