IP Library › Patent Application 11888444
Patent Application
App. No. 11/888,444

Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit

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 None
App. No.
11/888,444
Abstract

Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.

Claims (49)

1 . An implant system comprising

ferromagnetic material comprising at least one discrete source of magnetism sized and configured for implanting in a tongue, the ferromagnetic material including a periphery,

a flexible polymer matrix including a protective material encapsulating the ferromagnetic material, the flexible polymer matrix including an edge region extending beyond the periphery of the ferromagnetic material to allow flexure of the flexible polymer matrix relative to the ferromagnetic material, and

a source of magnetic force sized and configured for placement to interact with the ferromagnetic material in the tongue.

2 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the ferromagnetic material is implanted in one of a lateral tissue region of the tongue, an anterior tissue region of the tongue, a posterior tissue region of the tongue, and combinations thereof.

3 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured for implantation in a tissue region in one of a pharyngeal wall, a soft palate/uvula, and combinations thereof.

4 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured for placement in a tissue region external to the tongue.

5 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured for placement on one of an oral cavity, a neck, a jaw, and a head.

6 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured to be releasably fitted to a tissue region external to the tongue.

7 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured to be releasably fitted to a tissue region in an oral cavity.

8 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force is sized and configured to be releasably fitted to a tissue region on one of a neck, a jaw, and a head.

9 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force interacts by repelling the ferromagnetic material implanted in the tongue.

10 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the source of magnetic force interacts by attracting the ferromagnetic material implanted in the tongue.

11 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the flexible polymer matrix includes a tissue in-growth material.

12 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the flexible polymer matrix includes a perforated region.

13 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the flexible polymer matrix includes a roughened region.

14 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the edge region of the flexible polymer matrix includes a convoluted region.

15 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the flexible polymer matrix includes at least one biologic substance.

16 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the ferromagnetic material includes a soft ferromagnetic material.

17 . A system according to claim 1

wherein the ferromagnetic material includes a permanent magnet.

18 . A method comprising

providing an implant system as defined in claim 1 ,

implanting the ferromagnetic material encapsulated in the flexible polymer matrix in a tongue,

placing the source of magnetic force to interact with the ferromagnetic material in the tongue, and

stabilizing a desired position of the tongue due to interaction between the source of magnetic force and the ferromagnetic material.

19 . A method according to claim 18

wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force in a tissue region external to the tongue.

20 . A method according to claim 18

wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force in an oral cavity.

21 . A method according to claim 18

wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force on one of a neck, a jaw, and a head.

22 . A method according to claim 18

further including removing the source of magnetic force to interrupt the interaction.