SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYOIDPLASTY

摘要

Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the hyoid bone, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A conformable implant is positioned adjacent a hyoid bone. The spatial orientation of the hyoid bone is manipulated, to affect the configuration of the airway. The implant restrains the hyoid bone in the manipulated configuration. The implant is positioned adjacent to pharyngeal structures to dilate the pharyngeal airway and/or to support the pharyngeal wall against collapse. The implant may be attached to the hyoid bone using a clamp delivery tool that is adapted to releasably engage the implant.

主权项

1. An implant for use with a hyoid bone, comprising:
a brace arm; a conformable bone engagement structure coupled to the brace arm; and a complementary bone engagement structure coupled to the brace arm and positioned opposite the conformable bone engagement structure such that a space for receiving the hyoid bone is formed in between the conformable bone engagement structure and the complementary bone engagement structure; wherein the conformable bone engagement structure is structured to deform toward and contact a portion of the hyoid bone when the hyoid bone is received in the space and a drawing force is applied to the conformable bone engagement structure.