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. 19, 2011
Filed:
Jul. 07, 2008
Anant V. Hegde, Hayward, CA (US);
Kasey Kai-chi LI, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Phil Houle, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Casidy Hallsten, San Mateo, CA (US);
Chris D. Owen, Manteca, CA (US);
Anant V. Hegde, Hayward, CA (US);
Kasey Kai-Chi Li, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Phil Houle, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Casidy Hallsten, San Mateo, CA (US);
Chris D. Owen, Manteca, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.