Patent ID: 8783258

Claim:
A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising: an anchoring element adapted to be embedded in soft tissue of an inframandibular region; and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, wherein said tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with said at least one arm being connectable with said anchoring element for coupling said tongue implant with said anchoring element, and wherein spacing between said tongue implant and said anchoring element is adjustable by pulling said at least one arm through said anchoring element, wherein said anchoring element comprises a first implant part adapted to be disposed between tissue planes in the inframandibular region and said tissue at least partially surrounds said first implant part, wherein said tongue implant is coupled with said first implant part through said at least one arm, and wherein said first implant part comprises a biocompatible mesh or a biocompatible fabric.