Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area
View Patent ↗A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.
1. A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, said method comprising:
identifying a patient as having obstructive sleep apnea;
selecting an implant sized to be implanted into a soft palate of said patient, said implant having characteristics for said implant to stiffen said soft palate;
implanting said implant into said tissue of said soft palate to stiffen said soft palate.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said implant is a bolus of a particulate material selected for limited migration within said tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to said material.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said implant is a longitudinal implant of biocompatible material.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said implant is a braid of biocompatible fibers.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said implant is selected to induce a fibrosis and said stiffening is associated at least in part with said fibrosis.