Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the oral cavity

Abstract

Systems and related methods stabilize tissue in an airway using material which is sized and configured to be fitted to surface tissue in the airway and which is magnetically attracted toward a magnetized material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. The systems and related methods can be used, e.g., to treat snoring and other sleep related disorders.

1 . Apparatus for stabilizing tissue in an airway comprising 
 material sized and configured to be fitted to surface tissue in the airway and being magnetically attracted toward a magnetized material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation.    
   
   
       2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material includes a biocompatible coating.    
   
   
       3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material comprises at least one magnet attracted to the magnetized material.    
   
   
       4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material comprises at least two magnets each attracted to the magnetized material.    
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material comprises at least one element formed of ferrous material.    
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material comprises at least two elements formed of ferrous material.    
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material is sized and configured to be fitted to a portion of a uvula.    
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material is sized and configured to be fitted to a portion of a soft palate.    
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material is sized and configured to be fitted to a portion of an epiglottis.    
   
   
       10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material is sized and configured for removable attachment to surface tissue.    
   
   
       11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material includes at least one tissue piercing stud.    
   
   
       12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11   wherein the material includes a back member attachable to the stud to secure the material to surface tissue.    
   
   
       13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12   wherein the back member is made of an elastomeric material.    
   
   
       14 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material includes a sectorial configuration to generally conform to a surface tissue contour.    
   
   
       15 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   wherein the material includes rounded edges.    
   
   
       16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1   further including an appliance sized and configured to be releasably fitted to surface tissue in the oral cavity, and    wherein the magnetized material is carried by the appliance for inserting into and removal from the oral cavity.    
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16   wherein the appliance is sized and configured to be fitted adjacent to a roof of a mouth.    
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 16   wherein the appliance is sized and configured to be fitted, at least in part, to teeth.    
   
   
       19 . A method for treating snoring comprising the step of using the apparatus defined in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       20 . A method for treating upper airway resistance syndrome comprising the step of using the apparatus defined in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       21 . A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising the step of using the apparatus defined in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       22 . A method for treating a breathing disorder comprising the step of using the apparatus defined in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       23 . A method for moving and/or restraining tissue comprising the step of using the apparatus defined in  claim 1.