Patent ID: 8074655

Claim:
A method for treatment of a breathing disorder, the method comprising: a) positioning a shaft having a first end and a second end in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx; b) connecting one of a retractor member and an anchor member at or near the first end and in the region of the pharyngoglossal fold; c) connecting the other of the retractor member and the anchor member at or near the second end of the shaft, wherein at least one of the shaft, the retractor member, and the anchor member interact to distribute a force on at least one of a tongue base, a lateral pharyngeal wall, a tonsillar fold, or a soft palate and the force prevents obstruction of the patient's airway and wherein at least a portion of the retractor member or at least a portion of the anchor member is positioned on an external surface of the pharyngoglossal fold.