Patent ID: 8413661
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A system for altering a shape of a pharyngeal wall by implantation of a device in tissue beneath the pharyngeal wall, the system comprising: a unitary, sheet-like flexible retracting element having first and second ends and having a constrained configuration wherein the first and second ends are separated by a first distance and an unconstrained configuration wherein the first and second ends are separated by a second distance different from the first distance; a tissue engaging element connected to the retracting element, the tissue engaging element comprising features for engaging the tissue beneath the pharyngeal wall; a plastic trocar sleeve having a proximal end fixed to at least one of the retracting element ends and tissue engaging element; and a trocar having a distal end, the plastic trocar sleeve attached to at least a portion of the distal end of the trocar, the trocar having a shape for positioning the retracting element and tissue engaging element in the tissue beneath the pharyngeal wall with the retracting element in the constrained configuration, and for releasing the retracting element to revert to the unconstrained configuration upon release, whereby a shape of the pharyngeal wall is altered when the retracting element reverts upon release from the trocar from the constrained configuration to the unconstrained configuration.