Robert A. Rousseau,Kevin S. Weadock,An-Amin Jason Sung
申请号：
US12378573
公开号：
US08371308B2
申请日:
2009.02.17
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2013
代理人:
摘要：
Magnetic devices and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices include a sheet-like element having ferromagnetic qualities. The device may also include a permanent magnet attached to the sheet-like element by magnetic forces. The devices are implanted in soft tissue surrounding the airway and in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to exert forces on and/or change the shape of the soft tissue. The magnetic devices may also include a bladder containing a magnetorheological fluid that stiffens soft tissue when exposed to a magnetic field.
