IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,707,959
Granted Patent B2
US 8,707,959 · App. 11/820,174 · Granted Apr 29, 2014

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

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,707,959
App. No.
11/820,174
Granted
Apr 29, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

At least one implant structure is sized and configured for implantation in, on, or near an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue, e.g., a genioglossus muscle. The position of the implant structure is stabilized relative to the extrinsic muscle region to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation, e.g., to maintain patency of an airway.

Claims (37)

1. 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.

2. An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the implant structure comprises the hooking member extending through the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue and wherein the means for stabilizing comprises an anchoring component coupled to the hooking member.

3. An implant system according to claim 2 wherein the anchoring component is sized and configured to accommodate fixation in tissue adjacent the extrinsic muscle region.

4. An implant system according to claim 2 wherein the anchoring component is sized and configured to accommodate fixation in tissue beneath the extrinsic muscle region.

5. An implant system according to claim 2 wherein the anchoring component is sized and configured to accommodate placement in a tissue pocket formed beneath the extrinsic muscle region.

6. An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the extrinsic muscle region comprises a genioglossus muscle.

7. An implant system according to claim 6 wherein the implant structure is sized and configured to deflect the genioglossus muscle caudially.

8. 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 tissue region, and

wherein the implant structure comprises one or more of:

a hooking member extending through the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue,

a spring member extending within the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue, or

an elastomeric structure extending within the extrinsic muscle beneath the tongue.

9. A method comprising

selecting an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue,

surgically implanting at least one implant structure in, on, or near the extrinsic muscle region, and

surgically anchoring the implant structure to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the implant structure comprises a bracing member overlaying, at least in part, the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the implant structure comprises a spring member extending within the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue.

12. A method according to claim 9 wherein the implant structure comprises an elastomeric structure extending within the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue.

13. A method according to claim 9 wherein the implant structure comprises a hooking member extending through the extrinsic muscle region beneath the tongue.

14. A method according to claim 9 wherein a genioglossus muscle is selected.

15. A method according to claim 9 wherein maintaining the tongue in a desired orientation maintains patency of an airway.