Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
View Patent ↗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.
1. An implant system comprising:
a ferromagnetic material comprising at least one discrete source of magnetism sized and configured for implanting in a tongue,
a flexible polymer matrix including a protective material encapsulating the ferromagnetic material, the flexible polymer matrix being configured for implanting in a tongue and including a tissue anchoring region, 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 source of magnetic force interacts by repelling the ferromagnetic material implanted in the tongue.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the source of magnetic force interacts by attracting the ferromagnetic material implanted in the tongue.
4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region includes a tissue in-growth material.
5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region includes a perforated region.
6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region includes a roughened region.
7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region includes a convoluted region.
8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region is sized and configured to accept a mechanical fixation material.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the mechanical fixation material includes suture.
10. A system according to claim 8 wherein the mechanical fixation material includes a staple.
11. A system according to claim 8 wherein the mechanical fixation material includes a screw.
12. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue anchoring region includes at least one biologic substance.
13. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material includes a soft ferromagnetic material.
14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material includes a permanent magnet.
15. 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.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force in a tissue region external to the tongue.
17. A method according to claim 15 wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force in an oral cavity.
18. A method according to claim 15 wherein placing the source of magnetic force includes placing the source of magnetic force on one of a neck, a jaw, and a head.
19. A method according to claim 15 further including removing the source of magnetic force to interrupt the interaction.