Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for a tongue implant to induce deformation of the tongue made of nickel titanium alloy in superelastic state at body temperature for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In one embodiment the implant has a function of a V shaped spring, one leg helically inserted into the tongue, the other leg beneath the root of the tongue, to permanently compress the tongue. In another embodiment, there is provided a method and apparatus for placement of a helical implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it and stiffening it to maintain tongue stability for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of OSA are disclosed which protrudes the tongue and hence enlarges the pharyngeal cross-sectional area by implanting a state changing actuator, one leg inserted helically directly into the root of the tongue near the hyoid bone, along and near the base of the tongue into the body of the tongue, the section leaving the root of the tongue providing a torque (tending to expand the V-shape of the implant), the other leg acting as a force distribution placed between the root of the tongue and the geniohyoid, or between geniohyoid and mylohyoid. Another embodiment shows placement of a passive implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it providing a force compressing the tongue, the force directed toward the axis of the helix, hence protruding the tongue to enlarge the pharyngeal cross-sectional passageway to prevent obstructions of the airway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting inserts helically into soft tissue is provided. The inserter is made up of a housing assembly, a hollow helical needle; and a matched first and second hypoid gear. In its basic form, the apparatus includes a housing assembly, a hollow helical insert guide, a helical insert drive and a guide removal device. The hollow helical insert guide is held in functional relationship by the housing assembly and is adapted to be loaded with the insert for helical transport therewith into the soft tissue. The helical insert drive drives the helical insert guide in rotation and translation into the soft tissue. When an insert is present within the insert guide, the guide removal device removes the insert guide while leaving the insert in its intended implant location in the soft tissue. The method and apparatus insert an implantable member helically into soft tissue, thereby better fixing the implantable member in the soft tissue when such tissue is deformed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for a tongue implant to induce deformation of the tongue made of Nitinol in superelastic state at body temperature for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In one embodiment the implant has a function of a V shaped spring, one leg helically inserted into the tongue, the other leg beneath the root of the tongue, to permanently compress the tongue. In another embodiment, there is provided a method and apparatus for placement of a helical implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it and stiffening it to maintain tongue stability for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of OSA are disclosed which protrudes the tongue and hence enlarges the pharyngeal cross-sectional area by implanting a state changing actuator, one leg inserted helically directly into the root of the tongue near the hyoid bone, along and near the base of the tongue into the body of the tongue, the section leaving the root of the tongue providing a torque (tending to expand the V-shape of the implant), the other leg acting as a force distribution placed between the root of the tongue and the geniohyoid, or between geniohyoid and mylohyoid. Another embodiment shows placement of a passive implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it providing a force compressing the tongue, the force directed toward the axis of the helix, hence protruding the tongue to enlarge the pharyngeal cross-sectional passageway to prevent obstructions of the airway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting inserts helically into soft tissue is provided. The inserter is made up of a housing assembly, a hollow helical needle; and a matched first and second hypoid gear. In its basic form, the apparatus includes a housing assembly, sembly, a hollow helical insert guide, a helical insert drive and a guide removal device. The hollow helical insert guide is held in functional relationship by the housing assembly and is adapted to be loaded with the insert for helical transport therewith into the soft tissue. The helical insert drive drives the helical insert guide in rotation and translation into the soft tissue. When an insert is present within the insert guide, the guide removal device removes the insert guide while leaving the insert in its intended implant location in the soft tissue. The method and apparatus insert an implantable member helically into soft tissue, thereby better fixing the implantable member in the soft tissue when such tissue is deformed.