Devices, systems and methods using magnetic force systems affecting the tongue or hyoid muscles in the upper airway

United States Patent 8,020,560
Issue Dt: 09/20/2011

Inventors
Joe Paraschac, Ryan P. Boucher, Edward M. Gillis, Octavian Iancea, Andrew W. Kramer, Brian K. McCollum, Scott A. McGill, Lionel M. Nelson, Andres D. Tomas

Assignee   
Apneon, Inc.
20813 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 100
Cupertino, California 95014

Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Groenewoudseweg 1
5621 BA Eindhoven
Netherlands

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

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http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=pat&pat=8020560