Braided implant for snoring treatment

{
  "publication_number": "US6634362B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Braided implant for snoring treatment",
  "abstract": "A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. The implant has multiple fibers braided along a length of the implant.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for treating snoring of a patient, said method comprising: providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to air flow past said soft palate; implanting said implant into said soft palate to alter said dynamic response; said providing including selecting an implant formed of a braid of multiple fibers that provide stiffening to said palate resulting at least in part from a fibrotic response of a tissue of the soft palate to the material.",
    "2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the multiple fibers include a bio-resorbable and non-resorbable fiber.",
    "3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the multiple fibers are non-resorbable fibers.",
    "4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said implant is formed of multiple fibers of different materials to provide different stiffening to said palate.",
    "5. An apparatus for treating snoring of a patient suffering from snoring attributable, at in least in part, to a snoring sound generated by oscillation of a soft palate of said patient in response to airflow past said soft palate and where said soft palate has a characteristic dynamic response to said airflow prior to treatment, said apparatus comprising: an implant of bio-compatible material sized to be embedded within said soft palate; and said implant formed as a braid of multiple fibers that provide stiffening to said palate resulting at least in part from a fibrotic response of a tissue of the soft palate to the material.",
    "6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the multiple fibers include a bio-resorbable and non-resorbable fiber.",
    "7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the multiple fibers are non-resorbable fiber.",
    "8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the multiple fibers are twisted together along a length of the implant with the fibers having terminal ends at opposite ends of the implant.",
    "9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the multiple fibers are of different materials to provide different stiffening to said palate.",
    "10. An apparatus method according to claim 5 wherein said multiple fibers are polyester fibers."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "1. Field of the Invention\n\nThis invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for treating snoring.\n\n2. Description of the Prior Art\n\nSnoring has received increased scientific and academic attention. One publication estimates that up to 20% of the adult population snores habitually. Huang, et al., “Biomechanics of Snoring”, Endeavour, p. 96-100, Vol. 19, No. 3 (1995). Snoring can be a serious cause of marital discord. In addition, snoring can present a serious health risk to the snorer. In 10% of habitual snorers, collapse of the airway during sleep can lead to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Id.\n\nNotwithstanding numerous efforts to address snoring, effective treatment of snoring has been elusive. Such treatment may include mouth guards or other appliances worn by the snorer during sleep. However, patients find such appliances uncomfortable and frequently discontinue use (presumably adding to marital stress).\n\nElectrical stimulation of the soft palate has been suggested to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. See, e.g., Schwartz, et al., “Effects of electrical stimulation to the soft palate on snoring and obstructive sleep apnea”, J. Prosthetic Dentistry, pp. 273-281 (1996). Devices to apply such stimulation are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,284,161 and 5,792,067. Such devices are appliances requiring patient adherence to a regimen of use as well as subjecting the patient to discomfort during sleep.",
  "cpc": [
    "A61F 5/566"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A61F 5/56"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Restore Medical Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Timothy R. Conrad",
    "Mark B. Knudson"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2002-01-03",
  "publication_date": "2003-10-21",
  "grant_date": "2003-10-21",
  "priority_date": "1999-09-17",
  "application_number": "US-3691502-A",
  "family_id": "46276674",
  "cited_by_count": 91,
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}