METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE INDIRECT DISPLACEMENT OF THE HYOID BONE FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

摘要

An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an elongated body (150) having a central region (152), a first end (154), and a second end (156) opposite the first end. The central region of the elongated body engages inframandibular musculature (126, 128) that extends between a mandible (136) and a hyoid bone (130). The first and second ends of the elongated body are optionally anchored to the mandible. The elongated body is under tension for urging the inframandibular musculature in an inferior direction, which, in turn, pulls the hyoid bone anteriorly for minimizing the likelihood of occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes.