Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
AssigneeEthicon, Inc.
InventorsKevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, John R. Jacobs
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.
Claims7
A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising:
- a substantially flat, planar first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the implant, the first implant further comprising a substantially flat, planar cover portion, and a substantially flat, planar base portion coupled to the cover portion around a peripheral edge so as to form a pouch therebetween, and a substantially flat, planar anchor element positioned within said pouch between said cover portion and base portion, wherein the aperture therethrough extends through the cover portion, base portion and anchor element;
- and
- a ribbon element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross-section along an entire 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.