SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA

摘要

A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for treating an airway disorder comprising:
providing an implant body having elastomeric first and second end portions; implanting the body in an airway-interface tissue; allowing a tissue plug to grow through at least one of the first and second end portions such that the at least one end portion can be later cut and pulled from around the tissue plug to extract the implant from the tissue, if desired, with minimal impact to the tissue plug; and applying tension between the first and second end portions and attached tissue with the implant body to draw the attached tissue closer together to thereby alleviate tissue obstruction of the airway.