Patent ID: 8256425
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a previously implanted tongue implant device, the method comprising: creating an incision about the mandible area where a portion of a previously implanted tongue implant device is attached to the mandible; detaching the portion of the previously implanted tongue implant device from the mandible, the previously implanted tongue device also including an anchor comprising a set of distal anchoring members and a set of proximal anchoring members secured to the tongue; wherein the previously implanted tongue device comprises at least one suture member interwoven about a hooked tip portion of each of the proximal anchoring members configured such that when the suture member is pulled in a proximal direction the proximal anchoring members at least partially collapse; pulling on the at least one suture member to remotely collapse at least a portion of each of the proximal anchoring members of the previously implanted tongue device; and pulling out the previously implanted tongue device through the incision.