Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea

Abstract

A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for treating an airway disorder, comprising:
 an implant body having an axis and sized and shaped to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site; and   an adjustment element in the implant body configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the implant body includes a fluid containment chamber allowing adjustment between said first and second tensioning forces. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the implant body has an axial passageway configured to receive a tension element. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the implant body includes a modifiable polymer configured to provide adjustment between said first and second tensioning forces. 
     
     
         5 . A system for treating an airway disorder, comprising:
 an implant body having an axis and sized and shaped to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site; and   an axial passageway in the implant body configured to receive a tension element.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  further comprising a tool for introducing the tensioning element into the axial passageway. 
     
     
         7 . A method of treating an airway disorder, comprising:
 implanting an elongate implant body into a site in a patient's tongue, the implant sized and shaped to conform in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site and to apply selected tensioning forces to the site;   manipulating the implant in situ to alter the tensioning forces applied to the site.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the manipulating step is performed after at least end portions of the implant body are secured in the tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the implant body comprises an elastomeric material that applies the selected tensioning forces. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the manipulating step is accomplished with a tool that accesses the site. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the tool is configured to decouple portions of the implant body. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the tool is configured to add a tensioning element to the implant body. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the manipulating step is accomplished by stimulus means remote from the implant body. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the manipulating step is accomplished by manipulating the tongue surface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein manipulating the tongue surface adjusts a latch mechanism in the implant body. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the latch mechanism comprises a ratcheting member.