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 tissue in-growth structure implanted in the tongue coupled 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 tissue in-growth structure comprises a flexible material.
12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the flexible material is a polymeric material.
13. A system according to claim 11 wherein the flexible material is a metallic material.
14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue in-growth structure includes perforations.
15. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tissue in-growth structure 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 and the tissue in-growth material 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.