Patent ID: 7909038
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An implant for stabilizing the tongue, comprising: a bracket configured for attachment with the mandibula; a housing connected to the bracket, the housing enclosing an actuator configured to selectively control movement and flexibility of the implant; a flexible portion connected at its proximal end with the housing, said flexible portion having three-dimensional flexibility in a first state and said flexible portion having a lesser three-dimensional flexibility in a second state, said flexible portion being switchable between said first and second states by said actuator; an anchoring portion connected with said flexible portion, said anchoring portion being configured to connect with the base of the tongue; and a latch mechanism operable to allow the actuator to switch the flexible portion between the first and second states and operable to maintain the flexible portion in the second state irrespective of an actuation of the actuator.