Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods implant a first implant element in a bone region within an oral cavity and implant a second implant element in a tongue region within the oral cavity. The systems and methods resist posterior movement of the tongue within the oral cavity by coupling the first implant element to the second implant element within the oral cavity. By coupling, the systems and methods apply force, e.g., tension, between the first and second implant elements.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 23, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 6, 2008
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling
Abstract: Devices, systems and methods develop static and/or kinetic and/or pressure forces to fixate or brace tissue in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 20, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 22, 2008
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Eric N. Doelling, Ronald G. Lax, Jinfang Liu, Ryan P. Boucher, Allan R. Will
Abstract: Systems and related methods stabilize tissue in the oral cavity and airway, e.g., the soft palate/uvula and/or tongue. The systems and methods employ an operative element sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity. The operative element is further constructed and arranged to interact with more mobile tissue in the airway to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. The operative element can comprise a suction source sized and configured to draw more mobile tissue toward the suction source. Alternatively, the operative element can comprise a magnetic source sized and configured to magnetically attract material fitted to more mobile tissue in the airway.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2002
Date of Patent:
May 15, 2007
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2003
Date of Patent:
March 13, 2007
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling, Jinfang Liu, Peter H. Muller, Ryan P. Boucher, Michael L. Reo
Abstract: Systems and related methods stabilize tissue in an airway using material which is sized and configured to be fitted to surface tissue in the airway and which is magnetically attracted toward a magnetized material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. The systems and related methods can be used, e.g., to treat snoring and other sleep related disorders.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2002
Date of Patent:
July 11, 2006
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling
Abstract: Systems and related methods treat snoring and other sleep related disorders by stabilizing the position of a tongue in an oral cavity. The systems and methods employ an operative element sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity. The operative element is further constructed and arranged to interact with a tongue in the airway to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. The operative element can comprise a suction source sized and configured to draw more mobile tongue tissue toward the suction source. The operative element can comprise a magnetic source sized and configured to magnetically attract material fitted to more mobile tongue tissue in the airway.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2002
Date of Patent:
October 18, 2005
Assignee:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling
Abstract: Devices, systems and methods develop static and/or kinetic and/or pressure forces to fixate or brace tissue in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 20, 2003
Publication date:
August 5, 2004
Applicant:
Apneon, Inc.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Eric N. Doelling, Ronald G. Lax, Jinfang Liu, Ryan P. Boucher, Allan R. Will
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.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 6, 2003
Publication date:
July 22, 2004
Applicant:
APNEON, INC.
Inventors:
Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling, Jinfang Liu, Peter H. Muller, Ryan P. Boucher, Michael L. Reo