Patent Application - METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION, SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING > Summary

Patent Application No. US 20080053461

Published on Mar 6, 2008

Application No. 11/835966

Filed on Aug 8, 2007

Priority Date -

Hirotsuka, Mark - San Jose, CA US (33)

Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. In some embodiments, a glossal suspension system includes a tissue tensioner that includes a suture loop made of one or more sutures configured to suspend the tongue with at least one portion configured to extend laterally through the tongue, and a securement mechanism configured to be attached to a patient's mandible that includes one more adjustment assemblies for engaging the one or more sutures and adjusting tension on the suture loop. Various tethers and anchors that can be used with the glossal suspension system are also disclosed.