Patent ID: 9078634
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the device comprising: a. a cooling unit for chilling a cooling fluid; and b. an applicator for receiving the cooling fluid, the applicator comprising an engagement member configured for contact with oropharyngeal tissue, wherein the engagement member is shaped to be complementary to a target portion of the oropharyngeal tissue, the applicator comprising a recirculation conduit for facilitating heat transfer between the engagement member and the cooling fluid, the applicator and cooling unit being configured to cooperatively cause cooling of the oropharyngeal tissue by placement of the engagement member in contact with a surface of the oropharyngeal tissue, the engagement member being configured to be cooled to a temperature between approximately 5° C. and approximately −25° C. during contact for a time sufficient to cause cryolysis of adipose tissue within the oropharyngeal tissue, and thereby reduce a volume of said adipose tissue.