Patent ID: 8146600

Claim:
An apparatus for implantation within an oropharyngeal region adjacent a ligament, comprising: an implant comprising a substantially continuous loop structure comprising a central region between first and second regions in a horizontal plane; the first and second regions being foldable towards one another within the horizontal plane such that the implant defines a generally “C” shape about a vertical axis extending from the horizontal plane, the first and second regions being biased to unfold away from the vertical axis within the horizontal plane such that the first and second regions apply a force to dilate tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region when the implant is disposed within the oropharyngeal region; the central region of the implant being vertically narrow relative to the first and second regions, at least one of the first and second regions being compressible vertically to allow the at least one of the first and second regions to be directed through or behind the ligament adjacent the oropharyngeal region such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the at least one of the first and second regions being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament; and a filament coupled to the at least one of the first and second regions, a free end of the filament being advanceable through or behind the ligament for guiding the at least one of the first and second regions through or behind the ligament.