Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a relatively narrow central region between first and second relatively wide outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region.

主权项

1. A system for implantation within an oropharyngeal region, comprising:
an implant formed from a flat sheet comprising a central region between first and second outer regions generally defining a plane in a substantially flat configuration, the outer regions defining lobes surrounding respective open interior spaces on either side of the central region, the outer regions displaceable out of the plane such that the implant defines a curved configuration, the central region comprising one or more apertures sized for receiving a fastener therethrough; and one or more fasteners sized for insertion through the one or more apertures orthogonal to the plane for securing the central region to tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region, wherein the central region comprises a strut extending between the first and second outer regions, and a tab extending from the strut, the tab comprising an aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener therethrough.