Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable device for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
 a sheet-like element having features for allowing tissue ingrowth after implantation, the sheet-like element having a biocompatible outer surface and comprising a ferromagnetic material.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a permanent magnet having a biocompatible outer surface, the permanent magnet being attached to the sheet-like element by a magnetic force between the permanent magnet and the sheet-like element.   
     
     
         3 . The implantable device of  claim 2 , wherein the permanent magnet is a rare earth magnet coated with a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet-like element comprises 400-series stainless steel. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet-like element comprises a polymer and particles of ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet-like element is a film. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet-like element is a textile including ferromagnetic threads. 
     
     
         8 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An implantable device for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising:
 a sheet-like element having features for allowing tissue ingrowth after implantation, the sheet-like element having a biocompatible outer surface;   a containment bladder attached to the sheet-like element; and   a magnetorheological fluid contained within the bladder.   
     
     
         20 . The implantable device of  claim 19 , wherein the biocompatible bladder has a flattened shape. 
     
     
         21 . The implantable device of  claim 19 , wherein the sheet-like element is a medical textile. 
     
     
         22 . The implantable device of  claim 19 , wherein the sheet-like element is a film having features for promoting tissue ingrowth.