The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 03, 2007
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2003
Timothy R. Conrad, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Susan L. Critzer, Dellwood, MN (US);
Brian J. Erickson, Woodbury, MN (US);
Anja K. Metzger, Stillwater, MN (US);
John P. Sopp, Forest Lake, MN (US);
Timothy R. Conrad, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Susan L. Critzer, Dellwood, MN (US);
Brian J. Erickson, Woodbury, MN (US);
Anja K. Metzger, Stillwater, MN (US);
John P. Sopp, Forest Lake, MN (US);
Restore Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's airway. The condition is attributed at least in part to a spacing of tissue from opposing surfaces in the airway. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus include placing a tissue contractor within the tissue. The contractor includes a static end and a tissue in-growth engaging end. The static end is secured to a bony structure adjacent to tissue to be contracted. The tissue in-growth engaging end is secured to the tissue and spaced from the bony structure. A spacing between the tissue engaging end and a bony end is contracted in order to place the tissue under tension.