U.S. patent application number 13/233422 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for devices, systems and methods using magnetic force systems affecting the toungue or hyoid musccles in the upper airwya.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.. Invention is credited to RYAN P. BOUCHER, EDWARD M. GILLIS, OCTAVIAN IANCEA, ANDREW W. KRAMER, BRIAN K. MCCOLLUM, SCOTT A. MCGILL, LIONEL M. NELSON, JOE PARASCHAC, Andres D. Tomas.
Application Number | 20120240940 13/233422 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39430219 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120240940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARASCHAC; JOE ; et
al. |
September 27, 2012 |
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MAGNETIC FORCE SYSTEMS AFFECTING
THE TOUNGUE OR HYOID MUSCCLES IN THE UPPER AIRWYA
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior
movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway
open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be
placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a
region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a
ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second
structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue
outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the
oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The
second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically
interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the
ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the
tongue.
Inventors: |
PARASCHAC; JOE; (SAN JOSE,
CA) ; BOUCHER; RYAN P.; (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) ;
GILLIS; EDWARD M.; (SAN JOSE, CA) ; IANCEA;
OCTAVIAN; (SUNNYVALE, CA) ; KRAMER; ANDREW W.;
(SAN JOSE, CA) ; MCCOLLUM; BRIAN K.; (REDWOOD
CITY, CA) ; MCGILL; SCOTT A.; (SAN RAMON, CA)
; NELSON; LIONEL M.; (LOS ALTOS, CA) ; Tomas;
Andres D.; (Union City, CA) |
Assignee: |
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS
N.V.
EINDHOVEN
NL
|
Family ID: |
39430219 |
Appl. No.: |
13/233422 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11592637 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
8020560 |
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13233422 |
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11397744 |
Apr 4, 2006 |
7721740 |
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11592637 |
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10806372 |
Mar 22, 2004 |
7441559 |
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11397744 |
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10718254 |
Nov 20, 2003 |
7360542 |
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10806372 |
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10656861 |
Sep 6, 2003 |
7188627 |
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10718254 |
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10236455 |
Sep 6, 2002 |
7216648 |
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10656861 |
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60441639 |
Jan 22, 2003 |
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60456164 |
Mar 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/848 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 602/902 20130101;
A61F 5/566 20130101; A61F 5/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/848 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20060101
A61F005/56 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a first structure sized and configured for
placement in or on a tongue within an oral cavity, the first
structure including a ferromagnetic material, and a second
structure sized and configured for placement in or on external
tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the
first structure, the second structure including a magnetic material
that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by
attracting the ferromagnetic material.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material
includes a un-magnetized material.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material
includes an array comprising a plurality of un-magnetized
materials.
4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material
includes a magnetized material.
5. A system according to claim 4 further including an additional
structure sized and configured for placement in or on a posterior
pharyngeal wall across from the first structure, the additional
structure including a magnetic material that magnetically interacts
with the magnetized material of the first structure by repelling
the magnetized material of the first structure.
6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material
includes an array comprising a plurality of magnetized
materials.
7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure
includes a flexible carrier allowing flexure of the first
structure.
8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure and
the second structure are sized, configured, and arranged to
maintain a substantially mutually attracting orientation between
the ferromagnetic material and the magnetic material during a
native range of movement of the tongue during swallowing and/or
drinking and/or speech.
9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ferromagnetic material
of the first structure includes a center of mass, wherein the
magnetic material of the second structure includes a center of
mass, and wherein the first and second structures are separated
during use by a distance, the distance being defined as a
separation between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and
magnetic materials, the distance varying within a working range as
a result of native movement of the tongue during swallowing and/or
drinking and/or speech, the size and orientation of the first and
second structures being selected so that variations in magnetic
force due to variations in the distance within the working range
maintain the relationship that:
(F.sub.NEAR/F.sub.FAR).ltoreq.(.delta..sub.FAR.sup.2/.delta..sub.NEAR.sup-
.2) where .delta..sub.FAR is the distance (expressed in units of
centimeters) between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and
magnetic materials when the first and second magnetic structures
are separated farthest apart within the working range,
.delta..sub.NEAR is the distance (expressed in units of
centimeters) between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and
magnetic material when the first and second magnetic structures are
separated closest together within the working range, F.sub.NEAR is
the magnetic force (expressed in units of grams) of a magnetic
force system where the distance is .delta..sub.NEAR, and F.sub.FAR
is the magnetic force (expressed in units of grams) of a magnetic
force system where the distance is .delta..sub.FAR.
10. A system according to claim 1 wherein the magnetic material of
the first structure moves within the first structure in response to
magnetic interaction with a magnetic material.
11. A system according to claim 1 wherein the magnetic material of
the second structure moves within the second structure in response
to magnetic interaction with another magnetic material.
12. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure and
the second structure interact by developing attracting magnetic
force between the magnetic material and the ferromagnetic material,
the magnetic force having a magnitude F-mag, and where
F-mag=f(F-sep, F-nat), F-sep comprises a force required to separate
the tongue from tissue in an airway during sleep, and F-nat
comprises a force exerted by native muscles upon the tongue during
swallowing and/or drinking and/or speech.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the magnitude of
F-sep.ltoreq.the magnitude of F-nat.
14. A system according to claim 12 wherein the magnitude of
F-mag.gtoreq.the magnitude of F-sep.
15. A system according to claim 12 wherein the magnitude of
F-sep.ltoreq.the magnitude of F-mag.ltoreq.the magnitude of
F-nat.
16. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure
includes a tether assembly to stabilize the ferromagnetic material
in tongue tissue.
17. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure
includes a tether assembly to couple the ferromagnetic material to
tongue tissue.
18. A system according to claim 1 wherein the first structure is
sized and configured to place the ferromagnetic material only on
one lateral side of the tongue.
19. A system according to claim 18 wherein the first structure
includes a rudder assembly sized and configured to occupy the other
lateral side of the tongue.
20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the rudder assembly is
essential free of ferromagnetic material.
21-52. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/397,744, filed Apr. 4, 2006
entitled "Devices, Systems, and Methods Using Magnetic Force
Systems In or On Tissue," which is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/806,372, filed Mar.
22, 2004 entitled "Devices, Systems, and Methods to Fixate Tissue
Within the Regions of the Body, Such as the Pharyngeal Conduit,"
which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/718,254, filed Nov. 20, 2003 entitled
"Devices, Systems, and Methods to Fixate Tissue Within the Regions
of the Body, Such as the Pharyngeal Conduit," which is a
continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/656,861, filed Sep. 6, 2003 entitled "Magnetic Force Devices,
Systems, and Methods for Resisting Tissue Collapse within the
Pharyngeal Conduit," which further claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/441,639, filed Jan. 22,
2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/456,164,
filed Mar. 20, 2003, and which is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,236,455, filed Sep.
6, 2002 and entitled "System and Method for Moving and/or
Restraining Tissue in the Upper Respiratory System." This
application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/739,519, filed Nov. 23, 2005 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/754,939, filed Dec. 29,
2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods
for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing including
obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Characteristics of Sleep Apnea
[0003] First described in 1965, sleep apnea is a breathing disorder
characterized by brief interruptions (10 seconds or more) of
breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is a common but serious,
potentially life-threatening condition, affecting as many as 18
million Americans.
[0004] There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive.
Central sleep apnea, which is relatively rare, occurs when the
brain fails to send the appropriate signal to the breathing muscles
to initiate respirations, e.g., as a result of brain stem injury or
damage. Mechanical ventilation is the only treatment available to
ensure continued breathing.
[0005] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is far more common. Normally,
the muscles of the upper part of the throat keep the airway open to
permit air flow into the lungs. When the muscles of the soft
palate, the base of the tongue, and the uvula (the small fleshy
tissue hanging from the center of the back of the throat) relax and
sag, the relaxed tissues may vibrate as air flows past the tissues
during breathing, resulting in snoring. Snoring affects about half
of men and 25 percent of women--most of whom are age 50 or
older.
[0006] In more serious cases, the airway becomes blocked, making
breathing labored, or even stopping it altogether. In a given
night, the number of involuntary breathing pauses or "apneic
events" may be as high as 20 to 30 or more per hour. These
breathing pauses are almost always accompanied by snoring between
apnea episodes, although not everyone who snores has the condition.
Sleep apnea can also be characterized by choking sensations.
[0007] Lack of air intake into the lungs results in lower levels of
oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Upon an
apneic event, the sleeping person is unable to continue normal
respiratory function and the level of oxygen saturation in the
blood is reduced. The brain will sense the condition and cause the
sleeper to struggle and gasp for air. Breathing will then resume,
often followed by continued apneic events. There are potentially
damaging effects to the heart and blood vessels due to abrupt
compensatory swings in blood pressure. Upon'each event, the
sleeping person will be partially aroused from sleep, resulting in
a greatly reduced quality of sleep and associated daytime fatigue.
The frequent interruptions of deep, restorative sleep often lead to
early morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression,
irritability, and learning and memory difficulties.
[0008] The medical community has become aware of the increased
incidence of heart attacks, hypertension and strokes in people with
moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. It is estimated that up
to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients have high blood pressure.
[0009] Although some apneic events are normal in all persons and
mammals, the frequency of blockages will determine the seriousness
of the disease and potential for health damage. When the incidence
of blockage is frequent, corrective action should be taken.
II. The Anatomy of the Upper Airway
[0010] As FIG. 1 shows, the upper airway consists of a conduit that
begins at the nasal valve, situated in the tip of the nose, and
extends to the larynx, which is also called the voice box because
it houses the vocal cords. The pharynx (which, in Greek, means
"throat") is a cone-shaped passageway in the upper airway that
leads from the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the esophagus
and larynx. The pharynx serves both respiratory and digestive
functions. Both circular and longitudinal muscles are present in
the walls of this organ, which are called the pharyngeal walls. The
circular muscles form constrictions that help push food to the
esophagus and prevent air from being swallowed, while the
longitudinal muscles lift the walls of the pharynx during
swallowing.
[0011] The pharynx consists of three main divisions. The anterior
portion is the nasal pharynx, the back section of the nasal cavity.
The nasal pharynx connects to the second region, the oral pharynx,
by means of a passage called an isthmus. The oral pharynx begins at
the back of the mouth cavity and continues down the throat to the
epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the air passage to the
lungs and that channels food to the esophagus. The isthmus
connecting the oral and nasal regions allows humans to breathe
through either the nose or the mouth. The third region is the
laryngeal pharynx, which begins at the epiglottis and leads down to
the esophagus. Its function is to regulate the passage of air to
the lungs and food to the esophagus. Air from the nasal cavity
flows into the larynx, and food from the oral cavity is routed to
the esophagus directly behind the larynx. The epiglottis, a
cartilaginous, leaf-shaped flap, functions as a lid to the larynx
and, during the act of swallowing, controls the traffic of air and
food.
[0012] The mouth cavity marks the start of the digestive tube. Oval
in shape, it consists of two parts: the vestibule and the mouth
cavity proper.
[0013] The vestibule is the smaller outer portion, delimited
externally by the lips and cheeks and internally by the gums and
teeth. It connects with the body surface through the rima or
orifice of the mouth. The vestibule receives the secretion of the
parotid salivary glands and connects when the jaws are closed with
the mouth cavity proper by an aperture on both sides behind the
wisdom teeth, and by narrow clefts between opposing teeth.
[0014] The mouth cavity proper contains the tongue and is delimited
laterally and in the front by the alveolar arches with the teeth
therein contained. It receives the secretion from the submaxillary
and sublingual salivary glands. The mouth cavity proper connects
with the pharynx by a constricted aperture called isthmus
faucium.
[0015] The tongue is a mobile muscular organ that can assume a
variety of shapes and positions. The tongue has a relatively fixed
inferior part that is attached to the hyoid bone and mandible. The
rest of the tongue is called the body of the tongue. It is
essentially a mass of muscles that is mostly covered by mucous
membrane. The muscles in the tongue do not act in isolation. Some
muscles perform multiple actions with parts of one muscle acting
independently producing different, sometimes antagonistic,
actions.
[0016] The tongue is partly in the mouth or oral cavity and partly
in the pharynx. At rest, it occupies essentially all of the oral
cavity. The posterior part of the tongue demarcates the posterior
boundary of the oral cavity. Its mucous membrane is thick and
freely movable.
[0017] The tongue is involved with mastication, taste,
articulation, and oral cleansing. Its two main functions are
forming words during speaking and squeezing food into the pharynx
when swallowing.
[0018] The palate forms the arched roof of the oral or mouth cavity
(the mouth) and the floor of the nasal cavities (the nose). It
separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavities and the nasal
pharynx. The palate consists of two regions--the hard palate
anteriorly and the soft palate posteriorly.
[0019] The hard palate is vaulted and defines the space filled by
the tongue when it is at rest. The hard palate has a hard bony
skeleton, hence its name.
[0020] The soft palate has no bony skeleton, hence its name. The
soft palate is suspended from the posterior border of the hard
palate. It extends posteriorly and inferiorly as a curved free
margin from which hangs a conical process, called the uvula.
Muscles arise from the base of the cranium and descend into the
soft palate. The muscles allow the soft palate to be elevated
during swallowing into contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall.
The muscles also allow the soft palate to be drawn inferiorly
during swallowing into contact with the posterior part of the
tongue.
[0021] The soft palate is thereby very dynamic and movable. When a
person swallows, the soft palate initially is tensed to allow the
tongue to press against it, to squeeze the bolus of food to the
back of the mouth. The soft palate is then elevated posteriorly and
superiorly against the pharyngeal wall, acting as a valve which
closes and prevents passage of food into the nasal cavity.
III. Sleep and the Anatomy of the Upper Airway
[0022] Although all tissue along this conduit is dynamic and
responsive to the respiratory cycle, only the pharynx, in
particular the nasopharynx (the area at the soft palate and the
pharyngeal walls) and the oropharynx (the area at the tongue base
and the pharyngeal walls), is totally collapsible. The pharyngeal
structures and individual anatomic components within this region
include the pharyngeal walls, the base of the tongue, the soft
palate with uvula, and the epiglottis.
[0023] The cross sectional area of the upper airway varies with the
phases of the respiratory cycle. At the initiation of inspiration
(Phase I), the airway begins to dilate and then to remain
relatively constant through the remainder of inspiration (Phase
II). At the onset of expiration (Phase III) the airway begins to
dilate, reaching maximum diameter and then diminishing in size so
that at the end of expiration (Phase IV), it is at its narrowest,
corresponding to the time when the upper airway dilator muscles are
least active, and positive intraluminal pressure is lowest. The
upper airway, therefore, has the greatest potential for collapse
and closure at end-expiration [ref: Schwab R J, Goldberg A N. Upper
airway assessment: radiographic and other imaging techniques.
Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1998: 31:931-968].
[0024] Sleep is characterized by a reduction in upper airway
dilator muscle activity. For the individual with obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) and perhaps the other disorders which comprise much of
the group of entities called obstructive sleep-disordered breathing
(SDB), it is believed that this change in muscle function causes
pharyngeal narrowing and collapse. Two possible etiologies for this
phenomenon in OSA patients have been theorized. One is that these
individuals reduce the airway dilator muscle tone more than
non-apneics during sleep (the neural theory). The other is that all
individuals experience the same reduction in dilator activity in
sleep, but that the apneic has a pharynx that is structurally less
stable (the anatomic theory). Both theories may in fact be
contributors to OSA, but current studies seem to support that OSA
patients have an intrinsically structurally narrowed and more
collapsible pharynx [ref: Isono S. Remmers J, Tanaka A Sho Y, Sato
J, Nishino T. Anatomy of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep
apnea and in normal subjects. J Appl Physiol 1997:82:1319-1326.]
Although this phenomenon is often accentuated at specific sites,
such as the velopharyngeal level [Isono], studies of closing
pressures [Isono] supports dynamic fast MRI imaging that shows
narrowing and collapse usually occurs along the entire length of
the pharynx [ref: Shellock F G, Schatz C J, Julien P, Silverman J
M, Steinberg F, Foo T K F, Hopp M L, Westbrook P R. Occlusion and
narrowing of the pharyngeal airway in obstructive sleep apnea:
evaluation by ultrafast spoiled GRASS MR imaging. Am J of
Roentgenology 1992:158:1019-1024].
IV. Treatment Options
[0025] To date, the only modality that addresses collapse along the
entire upper airway is mechanical positive pressure breathing
devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
machines. All other modalities, such as various surgical procedures
and oral appliances, by their nature, address specific sectors of
the airway (such as palate, tongue base and hyoid levels), but
leave portions of pharyngeal wall untreated. This may account for
the considerably higher success rate of CPAP over surgery and
appliances in controlling OSA. Although CPAP, which in essence acts
as an airway splint for the respiratory cycle, is highly
successful, it has some very significant shortcomings. It can be
cumbersome to wear and travel with, difficult to accept on a social
level, and not tolerated by many (for reasons such as
claustrophobia, facial and nasal mask pressure sores, airway
irritation). These factors have lead to a relatively poor long-term
compliance rate. One study has shown that 65% of patients abandon
their CPAP treatment in 6 months.
[0026] Other current treatments for OSA include genioglossal
advancement (GA) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). These
treatments involve highly invasive surgical procedures and a long
recovery time, and therefore have relatively low patient
appeal.
[0027] The need remains for simple, cost-effective devices,
systems, and methods for reducing or preventing sleep disordered
breathing events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention provides systems and methods for
resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby
keeping an airway open.
[0029] One aspect of the invention provides systems and methods
that include a first structure sized and configured for placement
in or on a tongue within an oral cavity. The first structure
includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods include
a second structure sized and configured for placement in or on
external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship
with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic
material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic
material by attracting the ferromagnetic material.
[0030] Another aspect of the invention provides systems and methods
that include a first structure sized and configured for placement
in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a
ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods includes a second
structure sized and configured for placement either in or on tissue
inside the oral cavity or in or on external tissue outside the oral
cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The
second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically
interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the
ferromagnetic material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an anatomic side section view of the upper airway
of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue, hard
palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
where the tongue has been pulled towards the front to show the roof
of the mouth comprising the hard palate (in the front) and the soft
palate (in the back).
[0033] FIG. 3 is an anatomical side view, with sections partly
broken away and in section, of a human suffering from one form of
sleep apnea involving the soft palate, showing how the tongue base,
the soft palate, and the uvula lean against the pharyngeal wall,
effectively closing off the airway, resulting in an apneic
event.
[0034] FIGS. 4A to 4D show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system that resists occurrence of
the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a
tongue against the pharyngeal wall, with FIGS. 4A and 4C showing
magnetic interaction of a ferromagnetic structure implanted in
regions of a tongue with a magnetic structure carried outside an
airway (e.g., on a chin and/or jaw), and with FIGS. 4B and 4D
showing magnetic interaction of a ferromagnetic structure implanted
in regions of a tongue with a magnetic structure carried inside an
airway (e.g., in an oral cavity). FIGS. 4E and 4F show alternative
embodiments of the Tongue System that provide an additional
repelling force to resist the collapse of the tongue.
[0035] FIGS. 5A and 5B show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system that resists occurrence of
the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a
soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall, with FIG. 5A showing
magnetic interaction of a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
soft palate/uvula with a magnetic structure carried outside an
airway (e.g., on a chin and/or jaw), and with FIG. 5B showing
magnetic interaction of a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
soft palate/uvula with a magnetic structure carried inside an
airway (e.g., in an oral cavity). FIGS. 5C and 5D show alternative
embodiments of the Soft Palate System that provide an additional
repelling force to resist the collapse of the soft
palate/uvula.
[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system that resists occurrence of
the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
both a tongue and a soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall,
with FIG. 6A showing magnetic interaction of ferromagnetic
structures implanted in a tongue and a soft palate/uvula with a
magnetic structure carried outside an airway (e.g., on a chin
and/or jaw), and with FIG. 6B showing magnetic interaction of
ferromagnetic structures implanted in a tongue and a soft
palate/uvula with a magnetic structure carried inside an airway
(e.g., in an oral cavity). FIGS. 6C and 6D show alternative
embodiments of the Combined System that provide an additional
repelling force to resist the collapse of the tongue and soft
palate/uvula.
[0037] FIGS. 7A to 7C show representative embodiments of magnetic
structures sized and configured to be worn on a jaw and/or a chin
outside an airway to magnetically interact with one or more
magnetic structures carried within an airway, e.g., in or on a
tongue and/or soft palate/uvula in the manner shown in FIGS. 4A,
4C, 5A, and 6A.
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B show representative embodiments of magnetic
structures sized and configured to be worn about a neck outside an
airway to magnetically interact with one or more ferromagnetic
structures carried within an airway, e.g., in or on a tongue and/or
soft palate/uvula in the manner shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C, 5A, and
6A.
[0039] FIGS. 9A to 9E show representative embodiments of a magnetic
structures sized and configured to be worn within an airway, e.g.,
on teeth within an oral cavity, to magnetically interact with
ferromagnetic structures carried within an airway, e.g., in or on a
tongue and/or soft palate/uvula in the manner shown in FIGS. 4B,
4D, 5B, and 6B.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ferromagnetic material
sized and configured for implantation as part of a magnetic force
system shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, or 5A or 5B, or 6A or 6B.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an array of ferromagnetic
materials in a carrier that is sized and configured for
implantation as part of the magnetic force system shown in FIGS. 4A
to 4D, or 5A or 5B, or 6A or 6B.
[0042] FIG. 12A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4A or 4C comprising a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
region of a tongue that interacts with a magnetic structure carried
outside an airway (e.g., on a chin and/or jaw), to resist
occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0043] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a ferromagnetic structure
sized and configured to be implanted in a region of a tongue and
forming a part of the system shown in FIG. 12A.
[0044] FIGS. 12C and 12D are, respectively, a perspective view and
a side view of a magnetic structure sized and configured to be worn
outside an airway (e.g., on a chin and/or jaw) and forming a part
of the system shown in FIG. 12A.
[0045] FIG. 12E is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and the hard and soft palates, and further
showing the magnetic force system as shown in FIG. 12A, in which
the ferromagnetic structure in the tongue extends generally
symmetrically across the centerline of the tongue and the magnetic
structure worn on the chin and/or jaw includes magnets on both
lateral sides of the oral cavity, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0046] FIG. 12F is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and the hard and soft palates, and further
showing the magnetic force system as shown in FIG. 12A, in which
the ferromagnetic structure in the tongue extends generally
symmetrically across the centerline of the tongue and the magnetic
structure worn on the chin and/or jaw includes magnets only on one
lateral side of the oral cavity, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0047] FIG. 12G is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4B or 4D comprising a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
region of a tongue that interacts with a magnetic structure carried
inside an airway (e.g., within an oral cavity), to resist
occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0048] FIG. 12H is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and the hard and soft palates, and further
showing the magnetic force system as shown in FIG. 12G, in which
the ferromagnetic structure in the tongue extends generally
symmetrically across the centerline of the tongue and the magnetic
structure worn within the oral cavity includes magnets on both
lateral sides of the oral cavity, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0049] FIG. 13A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4B or 4D comprising a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
region of a tongue that interacts with a magnetic structure carried
inside an airway (e.g., in an oral cavity), to resist occurrence of
the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a
tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0050] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a ferromagnetic structure
sized and configured to be implanted in a region of a tongue and
forming a part of the system shown in FIG. 13A.
[0051] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a magnetic structure sized
and configured to be worn within an airway, e.g., on teeth within
an oral cavity, and forming a part of the system shown in FIG.
13A.
[0052] FIG. 13D is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and the hard and soft palates, and further
showing the magnetic force system as shown in FIG. 13A, in which
the ferromagnetic structure in the tongue extends generally
symmetrically across the centerline of the tongue and the magnetic
structure worn on teeth within an oral cavity includes magnets on
both lateral sides of the oral cavity, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0053] FIG. 14A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 6B comprising ferromagnetic structures implanted in a region
of a tongue and soft palate/uvula that interact with a magnetic
structure carried inside an airway (e.g., in an oral cavity), to
resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue and soft palate/uvula against
the pharyngeal wall.
[0054] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a ferromagnetic structure
sized and configured to be implanted in a region of a tongue and a
soft palate/uvula, and forming a part of the system shown in FIG.
14A.
[0055] FIG. 14C is a perspective view of a magnetic structure sized
and configured to be worn within an airway, e.g., on teeth within
an oral cavity, and forming a part of the system shown in FIG.
14A.
[0056] FIG. 14D is an anatomical anterior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and the hard and soft palates, and further
showing the magnetic force system as shown in FIG. 14A, in which
the ferromagnetic structures in the tongue and soft palate/uvula
extend generally symmetrically across the centerline of the tongue
and soft palate and the magnetic structure worn on teeth within an
oral cavity includes magnets on both lateral sides of the oral
cavity, and further showing in this arrangement the magnetic
attracting forces that resist occurrence of the tissue condition
shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue against the
pharyngeal wall.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a graph showing how magnetic force is sensitive
to distance (curve SM) and how titration of a magnetic force field
(curve MM) can reduce with sensitivity of the force-distance
relationship with a prescribed working space defined during normal
anatomic functions of a tongue and soft palate/uvula.
[0058] FIGS. 16A and 17A are diagrammatic views of a titrated
magnetic structure carried on a chin or jaw outside an airway or on
teeth in an airway that interacts with a ferromagnetic structure
implanted in a tongue or a soft palate/uvula, also showing in this
arrangement how the magnetic attracting forces have been moderated
by the titration to the sensitivity of the force-distance
relationship with a prescribed working space defined during normal
anatomic functions of a tongue and soft palate/uvula.
[0059] FIGS. 16B and 17B are diagrammatic views of a titrated
magnetic structure worn about a neck outside an airway that
interacts with a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a tongue or a
soft palate/uvula, also showing in this arrangement how the
magnetic attracting forces that have been moderated by the
titration to the sensitivity of the force-distance relationship
with a prescribed working space defined during normal anatomic
functions of a tongue and soft palate/uvula.
[0060] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrammatic representations of a
finite element analysis showing the flux lines for the titrated
magnetic structures of the type shown in FIGS. 16A/16B and 17A/17B,
demonstrating how the magnetic attracting forces have been
moderated by titration to the sensitivity of the force-distance
relationship with a prescribed working space defined during normal
anatomic functions of a tongue and soft palate/uvula.
[0061] FIG. 19 is an anatomic side section view of the upper airway
of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue, hard
palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4A in which a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a region of
a tongue includes mobile ferromagnetic material that interacts with
a magnetic structure carried outside an airway (e.g., on a chin
and/or jaw), to resist occurrence, of the tissue condition shown in
FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue and soft palate/uvula
against the pharyngeal wall.
[0062] FIGS. 20A and 20B are anatomic side section views of the
upper airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities,
tongue, hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and
further showing a representative magnetic force system of a type
shown in FIG. 4B in which a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a
region of a tongue includes mobile ferromagnetic material that
interacts with a magnetic structure carried inside an airway (e.g.,
on teeth within an oral cavity), to resist occurrence of the tissue
condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue and
soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall.
[0063] FIG. 21A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4A in which a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a region of
a tongue interacts with a magnetic structure that includes mobile
magnetic material carried outside an airway (e.g., on a chin and/or
jaw), to resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue and soft palate/uvula against
the pharyngeal wall.
[0064] FIGS. 21B to 21F are perspective views of representative
embodiments of a magnetic structure sized and configured to be worn
within an airway, e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity, that
includes mobile magnetic material, forming a part of the system
shown in FIG. 21A.
[0065] FIG. 22A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 5B, in which a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a region
of a soft palate/uvula interacts with a magnetic structure that
includes mobile magnetic material carried inside an airway (e.g.,
on teeth within an oral cavity), to resist the occurrence of the
tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a
tongue and soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall.
[0066] FIGS. 22B and 22C are perspective views of representative
embodiments of a magnetic structure sized and configured to be worn
within an airway, e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity, that
includes mobile magnetic material, forming a part of the system
shown in FIG. 22A.
[0067] FIG. 23A is an anatomic side section view of the upper
airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and further
showing a representative magnetic force system of a type shown in
FIG. 4A in which a ferromagnetic structure implanted in a region of
a tongue includes mobile ferromagnetic material that interacts with
a magnetic structure carried outside an airway (e.g., on a chin
and/or jaw), to resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in
FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue and soft palate/uvula
against the pharyngeal wall.
[0068] FIGS. 23B and 23C are perspective views of representative
embodiments of a magnetic structure sized and configured to be
implanted in a region of a tongue that includes mobile magnetic
material, forming a part of the system shown in FIG. 23A.
[0069] FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are representative diagrammatic
embodiments of mobile ferromagnetic materials of various shapes and
forms that can form a part of the systems shown in FIG. 19; FIGS.
20A and 20B; FIGS. 21A to 21F; FIGS. 22A to 22C; or FIGS. 23A to
23C.
[0070] FIG. 25 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and pharyngeal conduit, and further showing a
ferromagnetic structure implanted in a tongue, in which the
ferromagnetic structure extends generally asymmetrically only on
one lateral side of the tongue, the view also showing a tissue
condition as shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue
against the pharyngeal wall.
[0071] FIG. 26A is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 25, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue interacts with a magnetic
structure inside an airway (e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity)
having magnets on both lateral sides of the oral cavity, and
further showing in this arrangement the magnetic attracting forces
that resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0072] FIG. 26B is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 25, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue interacts with a magnetic
structure inside an airway (e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity)
having magnets only on one lateral side of the oral cavity opposite
to the asymmetric ferromagnetic structure in the tongue, and
further showing in this arrangement the magnetic attracting forces
that resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0073] FIG. 27 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 25, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue interacts with a magnetic
structure implanted in a pharyngeal wall opposite to the
ferromagnetic structure, and further showing in this arrangement
the magnetic repelling forces that resist occurrence of the tissue
condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue
against the pharyngeal wall.
[0074] FIG. 28 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and pharyngeal conduit, and further showing a
ferromagnetic structure implanted in a tongue, in which the
ferromagnetic structure extends generally asymmetrically only on
one lateral side of the tongue, but includes an appendage that is
free of a ferromagnetic material extending into the opposite
lateral side of the tongue, the view also showing a tissue
condition as shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue
against the pharyngeal wall.
[0075] FIG. 29A is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 28, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue with a non-ferromagnetic
appendage interacts with a magnetic structure inside an airway
(e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity) having magnets on both
lateral sides of the oral cavity, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0076] FIG. 29B is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 28, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue with a non-ferromagnetic
appendage interacts with a magnetic structure inside an airway
(e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity) having magnets only on one
lateral side of the oral cavity opposite to the asymmetric
ferromagnetic structure in the tongue, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0077] FIG. 30 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 28, in which the ferromagnetic structure
implanted asymmetrically in the tongue with a non-ferromagnetic
appendage interacts with a magnetic structure implanted in a
pharyngeal wall opposite to the ferromagnetic structure, and
further showing in this arrangement the magnetic repelling forces
that resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0078] FIGS. 31A and 31B are, respectively, a perspective view and
a top view of a representative embodiment of an asymmetric
ferromagnetic structure having a non-ferromagnetic appendage that
includes a non-ferromagnetic rudder-type structure to further
stabilize the structure and move more tissue in response to
magnetic interaction of a magnetic structure wither inside or
outside the airway, or both.
[0079] FIG. 31C is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and pharyngeal conduit, and further showing the
ferromagnetic structure shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B implanted in a
tongue, the view also showing a tissue condition as shown in FIG.
3, involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal
wall.
[0080] FIG. 31D is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 31C, in which the ferromagnetic structure
shown in FIG. 31C interacts with a magnetic structure inside an
airway (e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity) having magnets only
on one lateral side of the oral cavity opposite to the asymmetric
ferromagnetic structure in the tongue, and further showing in this
arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that resist occurrence
of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of
a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0081] FIGS. 32A and 32B are, respectively, a perspective view and
a top view of a representative embodiment of a magnetic structure
having opposite arm regions of opposite magnetic polarity and an
intermediate non-magnetic rudder-type structure to further
stabilize the structure and move more tissue in response to
magnetic interaction of a magnetic structure wither inside or
outside the airway, or both.
[0082] FIG. 33 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
showing the tongue and pharyngeal conduit, and further showing the
ferromagnetic structure shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B implanted in a
tongue, the view also showing a tissue condition as shown in FIG.
3, involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal
wall.
[0083] FIGS. 34A and 34B are anatomical superior views of the oral
cavity, like that shown in FIG. 33, in which the ferromagnetic
structure shown in FIG. 33 interacts with a magnetic structure
inside an airway (e.g., on teeth within an oral cavity) having
magnets only on one lateral side of the oral cavity, and further
showing in this arrangement the magnetic attracting forces that
resist occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3,
involving the collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall.
[0084] FIG. 35 is an anatomical superior view of the oral cavity,
like that shown in FIG. 33, in which the ferromagnetic structure
shown in FIG. 33 interacts with a magnetic structure implanted in a
pharyngeal wall opposite to the ferromagnetic structure, and
further showing in this arrangement the magnetic attracting and
repelling forces that resist occurrence of the tissue condition
shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue against the
pharyngeal wall.
[0085] FIG. 36 is an anatomic sagittal view of the tongue, soft
palate/uvula, and pharyngeal wall, showing the resolution of forces
F-sep and F-nat to provide an optimal therapeutic force F-mag that,
at night, resists collapse of the tongue against the pharyngeal
wall during sleep, yet does not affect speech, swallowing or
drinking during normal activities awake or asleep.
[0086] FIG. 37 is an anatomic sagittal view of the tongue, soft
palate/uvula, and pharyngeal wall, showing the resolution of forces
F-sep and F-nat to provide an optimal therapeutic force F-mag that,
at night, resists collapse of the soft palate/uvula against the
pharyngeal wall during sleep, yet does not affect speech,
swallowing or drinking during normal activities awake or
asleep.
[0087] FIG. 38 is a chart executing an implant force scaling
strategy.
[0088] FIGS. 39A and 39B are anatomic side section views of the
upper airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities,
tongue, hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and
further showing a representative magnetic force system of a type
shown in FIG. 4C comprising a ferromagnetic structure implanted in
a lower, inferior region of a tongue that interacts with a magnetic
structure carried outside an airway (e.g., on a jaw), to resist
occurrence of the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of a tongue against the pharyngeal wall, the ferromagnetic
structure including (in FIG. 39A) a single tethered anchoring
assembly and (in FIG. 39B) a multiple tether anchoring assembly to
stabilize the ferromagnetic structure in close proximity to the
external jaw-mounted magnetic structure.
[0089] FIGS. 39C and 39D are anatomic side section views of the
upper airway of a human, showing the nasal and oral cavities,
tongue, hard palate, soft palate, oral pharynx, chin and neck, and
further showing another representative tethered magnetic force
system of a type shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B, comprising a
ferromagnetic structure implanted in a more anterior region of a
tongue that interacts with a magnetic structure carried outside an
airway (e.g., on a chin), to resist occurrence of the tissue
condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the collapse of a tongue
against the pharyngeal wall, the ferromagnetic structure including
(in FIG. 39C) a single tethered anchoring assembly and (in FIG.
39D) a multiple tether anchoring assembly to stabilize the
ferromagnetic structure in close proximity to the external
chin-mounted magnetic structure.
[0090] FIG. 39E is a perspective view of a representative tether
anchoring assembly that includes an umbrella-like anchor that
collapses for implantation and expands in situ within the
implantation site.
[0091] FIG. 39F is a perspective view of a representative tether
anchoring assembly that is adjustable and lockable to adjust and
control tension.
[0092] FIGS. 40A to 40C show representative embodiments of a
ferromagnetic structure implanted in an anterior or caudal anterior
region of a tongue, or in the myohyoid muscle, in proximity to
external magnetic structures, e.g., a mouthpiece carried within the
oral cavity or an external carrier placed on or under the chin or
about the neck.
[0093] FIGS. 41A and 41B show devices that consist of one or more
ferromagnetic structure(s) attached to one or more elastic
components sized and configured to deflect under load in a
prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when
unloaded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0094] This Specification discloses various magnetic implants and
external devices, systems, and methods for the use of attracting
magnetic force to maintain a patent airway. For example, the
various aspects of the invention have application in procedures
requiring the restriction of tissue collapse in and/or around the
body, such as a passageway within the body. The devices, systems,
and methods that embody features of the invention are also
adaptable for use with devices, systems, and methods that are not
restricted to tissue based applications.
[0095] The devices, systems, and methods are particularly well
suited for treating sleep disordered breathing, including sleep
apnea. For this reason, the devices, systems, and methods will be
described in this context. Still, it should be appreciated that the
disclosed devices, systems, and methods are applicable for use in
treating other dysfunctions elsewhere in the body, which are not
necessarily sleep disorder related.
I. THE TONGUE AND THE SOFT PALATE
[0096] A. Anatomy
[0097] FIG. 2 shows an anatomical view of the oral cavity, where
the tongue has been pulled towards the front. FIG. 2 shows the
tongue and the roof of the mouth, i.e., the palate, as previously
described and as also shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the two parts
of the palate which have also been previously described: namely,
the hard palate (in the front) and the soft palate (in the
back).
[0098] The hard palate is bounded in the front and laterally by the
alveolar arches and gums and in the back by the soft palate. A
dense structure made up by the periosteum and the mucous membrane
of the mouth covers the hard palate. The linear raphe lies along
the middle line of the hard palate.
[0099] The soft palate is a movable fold, suspended from the
posterior border of the hard palate and forms an incomplete
dividing line (septum) between the mouth and the pharynx. The soft
palate comprises a mucous membrane that envelops muscular fibers,
an aponeurosis, vessels, nerves, adenoid tissue, and mucous
glands.
[0100] When the soft palate is relaxed and hanging, the anterior
surface is concave and follows the same line as the roof of the
mouth. The posterior surface of the soft palate is convex and is a
continuance of the mucous membrane that covers the bottom part of
the nasal cavities. The upper boundary of the soft palate attaches
to the hard palate; the sides become part of the pharynx; and the
lower boundary is free. The lower boundary which hangs down,
separating the mouth and the pharynx is known as the palatine
velum. In the middle of the lower boundary, the small, fleshy
cone-shaped protuberance is called the uvula. The arches are
located laterally and downwardly from the uvula. These arches are
called the glossopalatine arch (the anterior arch) and the
pharyngopalatine arch (the posterior arch). The palatine
aponeurosis is a thin, firm fiber-filled lamella which gives
support to the muscles and makes the soft palate strong.
[0101] The tongue is located over the floor of the oral cavity. In
human beings the tongue is an organ that undergoes a wide variety
of movements, partly because it is involved in a broad range of
activities, including speech, eating and swallowing. When a human
is awake, the tongue normally moves in an up and forward position.
When a human is asleep, the muscles of the tongue relax and the
tongue is able to move in an even broader range of directions. This
movement can occur laterally, posteriorly, anteriorly, cranially,
caudally, in a rolling manner, or any combinations thereof.
[0102] During the process of eating and swallowing, the uvula
prevents the food from entering the nasopharynx and the muscles of
the soft palate push the food down into the pharynx. The tongue can
move in conjunction with other structures (i.e. with the tongue and
pharyngeal wall coming together, or with the tongue and palate
coming together) or independently of other structures (i.e. tongue
movement without palate, pharyngeal wall, or epiglottis
movement).
[0103] B. The Tongue/Soft Palate and Sleep Apnea
[0104] Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed;
hypopnea occurs when the airway is partially obstructed. Sleep
apnea takes many forms; closure of the airway can occur at any
number of anatomical structures along the airway, including any
combination of the tongue, soft palate, epiglottis, and pharyngeal
wall. For example, the tongue may collapse with respect to the
pharyngeal wall, or both the base of the tongue and the pharyngeal
wall may collapse at the same time. Likewise, the soft palate/uvula
may collapse with respect to the pharyngeal wall and/or tongue, or
both the soft palate/uvula and/or tongue and/or the pharyngeal wall
may collapse at the same time. Thus, sleep apnea may be treated by
either preventing the collapse of the tongue, pharyngeal wall, soft
palate/uvula independently, and/or one or more of the tongue base,
the pharyngeal wall, and/or the soft palate/uvula at the same
time.
[0105] FIG. 1 is an anatomical side view of the upper airway system
in a normal patient, showing the nasal and oral cavities, tongue,
hard palate, soft palate, oropharynx, chin and neck. FIG. 3 shows
an anatomical side view of a patient suffering from one form of
sleep apnea involving at the same time the tongue, the pharyngeal
wall, and the soft palate/uvula. As shown in FIG. 3, the tongue
base, the soft palate, and the uvula lean against the pharyngeal
wall, effectively closing off the airway. An apneic episode can
occur as a result.
II. ATTRACTING MAGNETIC FORCE SYSTEMS
[0106] A. Overview
[0107] 1. Resisting Collapse of the Tongue (The Tongue System)
[0108] FIGS. 4A to 4D show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system 10a that resists, at least
in part, the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of the tongue against the pharyngeal wall. This system 10a
in its various embodiments will be in shorthand called the Tongue
System. The Tongue System 10a includes one magnetic structure 12
and one magnetic structure 14 to create an attracting magnetic
force between the two structures, which maintains the tongue in a
position spaced away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, as FIGS.
4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show. The magnetic force field resists posterior
movement of the tongue during sleep, keeping the airway open. An
apneic episode is avoided.
[0109] In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
the magnetic structure 12 is positioned in or on the tongue. More
specifically, magnetic structure 12 can be positioned either in the
anterior or in the posterior region of the tongue. In FIG. 4A, the
magnetic structure 14, which the magnetic structure 12 interacts
with, is positioned outside the airway (e.g., on the chin), whereas
in FIG. 4B, the magnetic structure 14 is positioned within the
airway (e.g., in the oral cavity).
[0110] In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D,
the magnetic structure 12 is positioned in the general area between
the mandible and the hyoid bone, either in or on the hyoid muscles
(e.g. one or more of the suprahyoid muscles such as the mylohyoid
muscles, the geniohyoid muscles, or the stylohyoid muscles, or the
digastric muscles), or under the skin. In FIG. 4C, the magnetic
structure 14, which the magnetic structure 12 interacts with, is
positioned outside the airway (e.g., on the chin), whereas in FIG.
4D, the magnetic structure 14 is positioned within the airway
(e.g., in the oral cavity).
[0111] 2. Resisting Collapse of the Soft Palate (The Soft Palate
System)
[0112] FIGS. 5A and 5B show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system 10b that resists, at least
in part, the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of the soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall. This
system 10b in its various embodiments will be in shorthand called
the Soft Palate System. The Soft Palate System 10b includes one
magnetic structure 12 and one magnetic structure 14 to create a
magnetic force field, which maintains the soft palate/uvula in a
position spaced away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, as FIGS.
5A and 5B show. The magnetic force field resists posterior movement
of the soft palate/uvula during sleep, keeping the airway open. An
apneic episode is avoided.
[0113] In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the magnetic structure 12 is positioned in or on the soft
palate/uvula. In FIG. 5A, the magnetic structure 14, which the
magnetic structure 12 interacts with, is positioned outside the
airway (e.g., on the chin), whereas in FIG. 5B, the magnetic
structure 14 is positioned within the airway (e.g., in the oral
cavity).
[0114] 3. Resisting Collapse of the Tongue and the Soft Palate (The
Combined System)
[0115] FIGS. 6A and 6B show in a diagrammatic way representative
embodiments of a magnetic force system 10c that resists, at least
in part, the tissue condition shown in FIG. 3, involving the
collapse of both the tongue and the soft palate/uvula against the
pharyngeal wall. This system 10c in its various embodiments will be
in shorthand called the Combined System. The Combined System 10c
includes two magnetic structures 12a and 12b and one magnetic
structure 14 to create a magnetic force between the two, which
maintains both the tongue and the soft palate/uvula in a position
spaced away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, as FIGS. 6A and 6B
show. The magnetic force field resists posterior movement of both
the tongue and the soft palate/uvula during sleep, keeping the
airway open. An apneic episode is avoided.
[0116] In the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
the magnetic structure 12a is positioned in or on the soft
palate/uvula and the magnetic structure 12b is positioned in or on
the posterior (back) of the tongue. In FIG. 6A, the magnetic
structure 14, which the magnetic structures 12a and 12b interact
with, is positioned outside the airway (e.g., on the chin), whereas
in FIG. 6B, the magnetic structure 14 is positioned within the
airway (e.g., in the oral cavity). It should be appreciated that
the magnetic structure 12b can, alternatively, be positioned in the
general area between the mandible and the hyoid bone, either in or
on the muscles (e.g. mylohyoid, geniohyoid, or digastric), or under
the skin, in the manner shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
in the manner previously shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D).
[0117] B. Placement of the Ferromagnetic Structures
[0118] The magnetic force systems 10a, 10b, and 10c can be
variously constructed. In the illustrated arrangements, all the
force systems 10a, 10b, and 10c include in their most basic form
the two structures 12 and 14. One structure 12 is placed in or on
tissue that is relatively mobile and subject to collapse, if not
restrained from doing so. The other structure 14 is placed in or on
tissue that is, relatively speaking, immobile, relative to the
direction of collapse.
[0119] The structures 12 and 14 comprise ferromagnetic materials.
The ferromagnetic materials of the structures 12 and 14 are sized,
selected, and arranged to magnetically interact by developing
between the structures 12 and 14 a magnetic force. The magnetic
force includes at least one vector or component that magnetically
attracts the structure 12 in or on the mobile tissue toward the
structure 14 in or on the relatively immobile tissue. Posterior
movement or other movement which could lead to an apneic or
hypopneic obstruction or narrowing of the relatively mobile tissue
is thereby resisted.
[0120] 1. The First Structure
[0121] The first structure 12 is internally placed in or on the
relatively mobile tissue in the airway targeted for treatment. In
the Tongue System 10a (FIGS. 4A to 4D), the targeted tissue is
tongue tissue, and, in particular, tissue at or near the posterior
part (base) of the tongue across from the pharyngeal wall (FIGS. 4A
and 4B) or in the general area between the mandible and the hyoid
bone, either in or on the muscles (e.g. mylohyoid, geniohyoid, or
digastric), or under the skin (FIGS. 4C and 4D). In the Soft Palate
System 10b (FIGS. 5A and 5B) the targeted tissue is the soft
palate/uvula across the airway from the pharyngeal wall. In the
Combined System 10c (FIGS. 6A and 6B), the targeted tissue is both
tongue tissue (or, alternatively, in the general area between the
mandible and the hyoid bone, either in or on the muscles (e.g.
mylohyoid, geniohyoid, or digastric), or under the skin) and the
soft palate/uvula across the airway from the pharyngeal wall.
[0122] Due to its interior placement, the ferromagnetic structure
12 is desirably sized and configured for relatively long-term
placement or implantation in tissue.
[0123] 2. The Second Structure
[0124] As previously described, the second structure 14 can be
placed either externally in or on relatively immobile tissue
outside the airway or internally in or on relatively immobile
tissue within an airway. The structure 14 is placed to magnetically
interact with the structure 12 by developing between the
ferromagnetic materials on the structures 12 and 14 a magnetic
force that includes at least one vector or component that
magnetically attracts the structure 12 in or on the mobile tissue
toward the structure 14 in or on the relatively less mobile
tissue.
[0125] In the Tongue System 10a (FIGS. 4A to 4D), the magnetic
attracting force between the two ferromagnetic structures 12 and 14
resists posterior or other movement of the tongue toward the
posterior pharyngeal wall. In the Soft Palate System 10b (FIGS. 5A
and 5B), the magnetic attracting force between the two
ferromagnetic structures 12 and the one ferromagnetic structure 14
resists posterior or other movement of the soft palate/uvula toward
the posterior pharyngeal wall. In the Combined System 10c (FIGS. 6A
and 6B), the magnetic attracting force between the two
ferromagnetic structures 12 and ferromagnetic structure 14 resists
posterior movement of both the tongue and the soft palate/uvula
toward the posterior pharyngeal wall. In all systems 10a, 10b, and
10c, the magnetic force prevents, in whole or in part, the
occurrence of the airway-occluding tissue condition shown in FIG.
3. As FIGS. 4A to 4D, 5A and 5B, and 6A and 6B show, the magnetic
force between the first and second ferromagnetic structures 12 and
ferromagnetic structure 14 works to keep the airway open (i.e.,
patent) during sleep.
[0126] Due to its placement, the ferromagnetic structure 14 is
desirably sized and configured to be removable, so that it can be
temporarily placed into association with the more permanent
ferromagnetic structure 12 and thereafter removed, when desired,
from the association. Thus, the ferromagnetic structure 14 can be
placed into association with the internal ferromagnetic structure
12 when the presence of the magnetic force field is desired, e.g.,
during sleep, and can be removed at other times. A removable
structure 14 also has the advantage of being easily and accurately
titrated (i.e. increasing or decreasing the force to optimize the
performance of the system). This titration could be accomplished by
switching different ferromagnetic materials of various strengths by
a clinician or by the user and/or by adjusting the relative
position or distance of the removable structure 14 with respect to
the internal structure 12.
[0127] a. External Placement
[0128] In FIGS. 4A, 4C, 5A, and 6A, the second structure 14 is
shown placed on relatively immobile tissue externally outside the
airway. More particularly, in FIGS. 4A, 4C, 5A, and 6A, the second
structure 14 is shown placed externally on or under the chin or
lower jaw. Various ways of placing the structure 14 in this
position are possible.
[0129] For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the external ferromagnetic
structure 14 can be shaped, sized and configured as a carrier 28
that can be secured at the level of the mandibular joint by, e.g.,
headgear that includes a strap 32 that fits over the head. As will
be described in greater detail later, the carrier 28 includes an
array of one or more ferromagnetic materials 26 positioned and
arranged to attract the ferromagnetic materials in the internal
structure 12 positioned in or on the tongue, the soft palate/uvula,
or both.
[0130] Alternatively, as FIG. 7B shows, the carrier 28 of the
external ferromagnetic structure 14 can be shaped to include a cup
34 that fits over the chin, to add further stability and comfort.
In this arrangement, the headgear strap 32 attaches to the carrier
28 at the level of the mandibular joint, as well as to the chin cup
34, helping to immobilize the position of the headgear.
[0131] As FIG. 7C shows, the carrier 28 can be shaped, sized, and
configured as a chin cup 34 that includes an extension, which
extends a measured minimum distance (e.g., at least 4 cm) under the
chin below the tongue. In this arrangement, the extension carries
at least one ferromagnetic material 26, which interacts with the
ferromagnetic materials in the internal structure 12 positioned in
or on the tongue. In this embodiment the headgear strap 32 can fit
over the head and attach to both the chin cup and its extension
under the chin. This embodiment is particularly useful when the
therapeutic objective is to principally target resistance to
posterior movement of the tongue.
[0132] In an alternative arrangement, the second structure 14 can
be placed around the neck. As shown in FIG. 8A, the second
structure 14 comprises a carrier 28 that includes an array of one
or more ferromagnetic materials 26. The carrier 28 includes a neck
collar 38, which serves to position and orient the ferromagnetic
materials 18 to attract the ferromagnetic materials in the internal
structure 12 positioned in or on the tongue, the soft palate/uvula,
or both.
[0133] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, an anterior part of the
neck collar that fits under the chin is higher than the posterior
part that fits under the back of the head. This configuration
raises the level of the chin and serves to extend the neck, by
tilting the head back and raising the chin. The embodiment shown in
FIG. 8B mimics the extension of the neck accomplished during CPR.
The extension may add a mechanical enhancement to the magnetic
force field, helping to maintain or further open up the airway.
[0134] Benefits of using external magnetic devices include: (1)
larger and stronger magnets may be used than could be either
implanted or affixed to an appliance worn in the mouth (as will be
described in greater detail later); (2) external devices are easily
removed, so that the force delivered need only be experienced when
the patient wishes to sleep, and not during eating or speech thus
minimizing the effect of magnetic force on these activities; and
(3) without need for surgical intervention, the amount and
direction of the magnetic forces can be changed. This is
accomplished by exchanging magnet types and sizes and by changing
the location of the magnets within the external device.
[0135] b. Internal Placement
[0136] Alternatively, the second structure 14 can be placed in or
on relatively immobile tissue internally inside the airway, e.g.,
within an oral cavity in proximity to the first structure 12 (which
is desirably placed in or on a tongue and/or soft palate/uvula).
For example (as FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E show), the second
structure 14 can be shaped, sized and configured to be fitted
inside the mouth in various positions along the inner or outer edge
of the lower teeth or covering the top of the lower or upper teeth,
the second structure also comprising magnetic materials that are
generally aligned with, on top of, or below the tongue. The
structure could, in principle, also be placed on the upper
teeth.
[0137] For example, in FIG. 9A, the second ferromagnetic structure
14 comprises a carrier 28 that takes the form of a mouthpiece 40
that fits along the inside edge of the lower teeth. An array of one
or more ferromagnetic materials 26 is carried by the carrier 28, as
will be described in greater detail later. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mouthpiece 40 attaches to the lower teeth in a
suitable manner, e.g., with the hooks 42 as shown.
[0138] FIG. 9B shows an alternative arrangement. In this
arrangement, the second ferromagnetic structure 14 comprises a
carrier 28 that takes the form of a mouthpiece 40 that fits along
the outside edge of the lower teeth in a suitable manner, e.g., the
two hooks 42 as shown. An array of one or more ferromagnetic
materials 26 is carried by the carrier 28, as will be described in
greater detail later.
[0139] FIG. 9C shows another alternative arrangement. In this
arrangement, the second ferromagnetic structure 14 comprises a
carrier 28 that takes the form of a mouthpiece 40 that is
pre-formed by molding to fit and cover the lower teeth. An array of
one or more ferromagnetic materials 26 is carried by the carrier
28, as will be described in greater detail later.
[0140] FIGS. 9D and 9E are other alternative embodiments of the
mouthpiece 40 of the type shown in FIG. 9C, which fit over the
lower teeth. In FIGS. 9D and 9E, the mouthpiece includes one or
more protrusions 43 that extend medially from the teeth into the
oral cavity. In FIG. 9D, the one or more protrusions extend over
the tongue. In FIG. 9E, the one or more protrusions 43' extend
beneath the tongue. The protrusions carry an array of one or more
ferromagnetic materials 26. In this way, the ferromagnetic
materials 26 can be placed in close superior alignment (FIG. 9D) or
inferior alignment (FIG. 9E) with the ferromagnetic materials 26 in
the first structure 12 in the tongue, and/or in close inferior
alignment with the ferromagnetic materials 26 in the first
structure 12 in the soft palate/uvula.
[0141] Alternative embodiments to the mouthpieces 40 shown in FIGS.
9A to 9D are also envisioned where the carrier 28 fits over the
upper teeth.
[0142] The configuration and placement of the various mouthpieces
40 in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E physically locate the
ferromagnetic materials 26 of the second ferromagnetic structure 14
in relatively close proximity to a ferromagnetic structure 12
placed in or on the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula. The proximity
increases the magnitude of the magnetic field within the airway
necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Thus, the
proximity makes possible the use of relatively smaller
ferromagnetic materials in both structures 12 and 14, when compared
to an external second magnetic structure in a collar, head gear or
other location.
[0143] C. Configuration of the Ferromagnetic Structures
[0144] As seen in FIG. 10, in its most basic form, the magnetic
structures 12 and 14 of the magnetic force system 10 each comprises
at least one ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material(s)
of the magnetic structure 12 will be identified by reference number
16, the ferromagnetic material(s) for the magnetic structure will
be identified by reference number 18. The ferromagnetic materials
16 of the first structure 12 are placed in or on the targeted
tissue regions (tongue and/or soft palate/uvula). The ferromagnetic
materials 18 of the second structure 14 are placed under the chin,
the lower jaw, along the inner or outer edge of the lower teeth, or
on top of the lower teeth, along the inner or outer edge of the
upper teeth, or beneath the upper teeth. The ferromagnetic
materials 16 and 18 of the magnetic structures 12 and 14, forming
the force systems 10a, 10b, and 10c are placed to magnetically
interact and stabilize the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula, thereby
resisting the collapse of tissue in the airway between the tongue
and/or soft palate/uvula and the pharyngeal wall during sleep.
[0145] 1. Orientation of Magnetic Poles
[0146] Each ferromagnetic material 16 and 18 can comprise a
permanent magnet. A permanent magnet is characterized as a material
showing resistance to external demagnetizing forces once being
magnetized. That is, a high external magnetic field is required in
order to remove the residual magnetism of a permanent magnet.
Stated differently, a permanent magnet has very high intrinsic
coercivity, which is a measure of its resistance to
demagnetization.
[0147] A permanent magnet possesses poles of opposite polarity. The
poles are regions of a magnet (usually at the end of the magnets)
where the external magnetic field is strongest. Relative to Earth's
magnetic poles, if the magnet is free to turn, one pole will point
to the magnetic north pole of the Earth, and is thus called a north
pole of the magnet, which is indicated by N in the drawings or
otherwise called a N-pole. The opposite pole is called a south pole
of the magnet, which is indicated by S in the drawings or otherwise
called an S-pole.
[0148] According to physical laws, poles of like polarity (N-N or
S-S) repel each other with a magnetic force. Conversely, poles of
unlike polarity (N-S or S-N) attract each other with a magnetic
force. Thus, structures 12 and 14 incorporating permanent magnets
will repel each other when like poles of the structures 12 and 14
(N-N or S-S) are oriented to face each other, and likewise attract
each other when opposite poles of the structures 12 and 14 (N-S or
S-N) are oriented to face each other. The magnitude of the force of
magnetic attraction or repulsion depends on the strength of the
magnets and the distance between the poles.
[0149] Examples of known permanent magnet materials include alloys
of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), alloys of Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt
(AlNiCo), and Samarium Cobalt (SmCo). An electromagnet (current
flowing through a coil of wire) can be substituted for a permanent
magnet.
[0150] In the magnetic force systems 10a, 10b, and 10c shown in,
respectively, FIGS. 4A to 4D, 5A and 5B, and 6A and 6B the magnetic
materials 16 and 18 are oriented such that opposite poles (N-S or
S-N) generally face each other across lower jaw or across tongue
tissue. Thus, the first and second magnetic structures 12 and 14
are referred to as having opposite polarities. The structures 12
and 14 will magnetically interact by the generation of a magnetic
force between them. The nature of the magnetic force will generally
be called in shorthand for purposes of description an "attracting"
magnetic force, because it involves an interaction between magnetic
poles of the unlike polarities. However, it should be appreciated
that the magnetic force generated between the structures 12 and 14
can include a torquing force (i.e., a force or moment of a force
that tends to rotate the internal structure 12 in the more mobile
tissue of the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula about an axis),
and/or a decentering force (i.e., a force in essentially a lateral
or side-to-side direction that tends to offset the internal
structure 12 in the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula left or right,
again depending the mobile tissue region being targeted), or a
combination of two or more attracting, torquing, and decentering
forces. One or more of these magnetic forces collectively can
prevent the tongue and/or soft palate (depending on the mobile
tissue region being targeted) from moving in a posterior direction
and closing, obstructing, or restricting the pharyngeal conduit or
airway. One of the predominant advantages of the attracting systems
is their ability to decrease or eliminate the significant and
problematic decentering and torquing forces seen in repelling
magnetic systems in treating OSA.
[0151] It should be appreciated that the structure 12 in the more
mobile targeted tissue region can include a ferromagnetic material
16 that is itself not magnetized, but that nevertheless is
attracted to a ferromagnetic material 18 on the structure 14 in the
less mobile targeted tissue region, which is magnetized. Therefore,
the ferromagnetic material(s) 16 of the structure 12 can comprise
an un-magnetized material, e.g., ferrous plate, on which the
magnetized ferromagnetic material 18 of the structure 14 exerts an
attractive magnetic force. The terms "ferromagnetic" material as
used in this specification is therefore not necessarily limited to
an object that exhibits magnetic properties (i.e., an object that
is magnetized), but also encompasses an object made of a material
that is not itself magnetized but which is attracted to another
object that is magnetized.
[0152] 2. Magnetic Structures
[0153] As previously described in general terms, the ferromagnetic
material 16 of the first structure 12 can be magnetized or
un-magnetized. However, it is desirably permanently magnetized and
therefore will be described as "magnetic". The magnetic material 16
is placed in or on tissue in the airway. The term placed "in or on"
is intended to mean that the magnetic material 16 can be placed
either on surface tissue or implanted within tissue. For longevity
and comfort, the material 16 is desirably implanted within tissue.
In the illustrated embodiments, the targeted tissue can comprise a
region of the tongue, a region of the soft palate/uvula, or
both.
[0154] As previously generally described, the ferromagnetic
material 18 of the second structure 14 is also desirably
permanently magnetized and therefore will be described as
"magnetic". The magnetic material 18 is placed externally of the
airway under the chin or lower jaw, or internally within the airway
along the inner or outer edge of the lower teeth, on top of the
teeth, or on top of or below the tongue. As previously described,
when externally located, the magnetic material 18 is desirably
mounted or carried in an individually fitted chin strap or neck
collar. When internally located, the magnetic material 18 is
desirably mounted or carried in an oral mouthpiece fitted to the
lower teeth. In this way, the magnetic material 18 can be located
externally under the lower jaw, or internally along the inner or
outer edge of the lower teeth, on top of the lower teeth, on top of
or below the tongue to magnetically interact with the material 16
placed on or implanted within tissue in a region of the tongue, a
region of the soft palate/uvula, or both.
[0155] The permanent magnetic materials 16 and 18 can each be
configured in various ways and take various shapes, e.g.,
cylindrical, square, rectangular, or other polygons. A given
magnetic material 16 or 18 of a given internal component, implant
12 or external component 14 can comprise a single or discrete
source of magnetism having a given desired polar orientation. For
example, a given magnetic material 16 or 18 can comprise a single
permanent magnet, as shown in FIG. 10. Bonded permanent magnets may
also be used. Bonded magnets can be flexible or rigid, and consist
of powdered NdFeB, Ferrite, or SmCo permanent magnet materials
bonded in a flexible or rigid substrate of e.g., rubber, nitrile,
polyethylene, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, rubber, or
nylon. The forming of the bonded magnet can be achieved by
extrusion, compression molding, injection molding, calendering, or
printing. Bonded magnets enable unique flexible designs, and
durable high tolerance shapes that are otherwise difficult to
achieve.
[0156] Alternatively, a plurality of permanent magnetic material 16
or 18 can be positioned for placement as an array 22 carried as a
unit on a support carrier 24, or otherwise directly linked
together, as shown in FIG. 11. The carrier 24 can comprise, for
example, a woven, formed, or molded structure made, e.g., from a
polymer or fiber or fabric or non-ferrous metallic material. Like
the magnetic materials 16/18 themselves, the arrays 22 can be
variously shaped, sized, and configured for implantation in the
intended tissue region (for the first structure 12) or for
placement in association with external or internal tissue (for the
second structure 14).
[0157] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, the magnetic materials
16/18 are placed on the carrier 24 with the N and S-poles facing
generally in the same direction. In FIG. 11, the N-pole orientation
is shown by the arrows, and the S-pole is therefore oriented in an
opposite direction. In this way, an array 22 of like permanent
magnets 16/18 having the relatively similar magnetic orientation
(i.e., polarity) can be assembled for orientation as a unit on the
carrier 24.
[0158] With respect to the first structure 12, a plurality of
permanent magnetic materials 16 (or un-magnetized materials that
are attracted to a magnetic material) can be incorporated within a
flexible or compliant array 22 and carried as a unit on a support
carrier 24 (as shown in FIG. 11) for implantation in tissue. With
respect to the second structure 14 (the arrangements shown in FIG.
7A to 7C; FIGS. 8A and 8B; and FIGS. 9A to 9E), a plurality of
permanent magnetic materials 18 can be incorporated in a more rigid
array 26 carried as a unit on a support carrier 28. The support
carrier 28 can be individually associated with headgear to
stabilize its placement on or under the chin (FIGS. 7A to 7C), with
a neck piece to stabilize its placement about a neck (FIGS. 8A and
8B), or with a mouthpiece to stabilize its placement within an oral
cavity (FIGS. 9A to 9E). Like the magnetic materials 16/18
themselves, the array 26 can be variously shaped, sized, and
configured.
[0159] In either arrangement (individually as shown in FIG. 10 or
on an array as shown in FIG. 11), the magnetic material(s) 16 or 18
is/are desirably coated, plated, encapsulated, or deposited prior
to placement in or on tissue, or placement in the respective
stabilization device (headgear, neck piece, or mouthpiece) with a
selected protective material 20 or 30, respectively. The protective
material 20/30 is selected to provide a corrosion resistant and
biocompatible interface, to prevent interaction between the
magnetic material 16/18 and tissues or fluids of the body. The
protective material 20/30 is also desirably selected to form a
durable tissue interface, to provide longevity to the system
component, and thereby provide resistance to structural fatigue
and/or failure.
[0160] Selected to provide these desired physical and physiologic
benefits, the protective material 20 and its application to the
material 16 is also desirably selected to avoid imparting added
stiffness to the structure 12 itself, to complement its preferred
placement by implantation in tissue. However, with respect to the
structure 14 (which desirably is not intended to be implanted), the
protective material 30 used on material 18 can be and is desirably
selected so that it will add stiffness to structure 14, so as to
maximize the attraction between a relatively flexible structure 12
and a relatively immobile and less flexible structure 14. The more
efficient the attraction between materials 18 and 16 is, the
smaller the size of ferromagnetic materials 16 and 18, and thus the
lighter and more comfortable the structures 12 and 14, can be.
[0161] The protective material 20/30 can be selected among various
types of materials known to provide the desired biocompatibility,
resistance to corrosion, and durability. For example, the
protective material 20/30 can comprise titanium or other metal
material plated, deposited, or otherwise coated upon the magnetic
material 16/18. As another example, the protective material 20/30
can comprise a parylene coating. As other examples, the protective
material 20/30 can comprise a silicone polymer, a non-toxic epoxy,
a medical grade polyurethane, or a U.V. curable medical acrylic
co-polymer. The protective material 20/30 may also incorporate
anticoagulants and/or antibiotics and/or tissue in-growth
promoters.
[0162] D. Representative Systems of Magnetic Structures
[0163] 1. The Tongue System
[0164] FIG. 12A shows a representative Tongue System 10a of the
type shown in FIG. 4A. The system 10a comprises the ferromagnetic
materials 16 and 18 arranged in a relatively similar, attracting
orientation, as previously described. In FIG. 12A, the Tongue
System 10a includes a first magnetic implant 12 comprising a first
magnetic array 22 of a type shown in FIG. 11 sized and configured
for implantation in the tongue. The Tongue System 10a also includes
a second magnetic component 14 comprising a second magnetic array
26 also of a type shown in FIG. 11, but further incorporated into
an under-the-chin orientation of a type shown in FIG. 7C.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 12B, the array 22 of the first structure 12
comprises a carrier 24, on which the array 22 of ferromagnetic
material(s) 16 (desirably comprising one or more permanent magnets)
is arranged. As FIGS. 12A and 12B show, the carrier 24 is shaped
along a longitudinal axis to have a length that is longer than its
width. The longitudinally-shaped array 22 is sized and configured
to be implanted along the anterior-to-posterior axis of the tongue
and the airway, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
longitudinal axis of the array 22 extends along the raphe of the
tongue.
[0166] As shown in FIG. 12C, the array 26 of the second structure
14 comprises a carrier 28, on which the array 26 of magnetic
materials 18 (also permanent magnets) is arranged. The carrier 28
comprises the chin cup shown in FIG. 7C. In FIG. 12C, the array 26
is horseshoe-shaped (although many other arrangements are
envisioned). The horseshoe-shaped array 26 is placed under the chin
and lower jaw. It can be appreciated that a relatively similar or
the same orientation of the magnetic materials 18 can be achieved
by placing the array 26 in association with a neck piece (as shown
in FIGS. 8A and 8B) or by placing the array in association with a
mouthpiece worn within the oral cavity (as shown in FIGS. 9A to
9E).
[0167] As shown in FIG. 12C, the horseshoe-shaped array of magnetic
materials 18 follows the entire curved anatomy of the oral cavity
from posterior to anterior. The array comprises posterior magnetic
regions 18a (located on opposite sides of the tongue), an anterior
magnetic region 18c (located along the curved anterior region of
the oral cavity), and a middle magnetic regions 18b (located
between the anterior and posterior regions of the oral cavity on
opposite sides of the tongue). FIG. 12D shows an alternative
embodiment to the horseshoe-shaped array. In this embodiment the
magnetic materials 18 are placed both under the chin 18a, 18b, and
18c, and adjacent to the chin 18d.
[0168] When implanted, as FIG. 12E shows, poles of the magnetic
material 16 of the first implant 12 are oriented to generally align
with the opposite poles of the magnetic material 18 of the external
component 14 across the airway, that is, either N-S or S-N-poles
are generally aligned across the lower jaw or across tongue tissue,
in the case of the mouthpiece array. As a result the magnetic
external component 14 interacts by attracting the magnetic tongue
implant 12 (as indicated by the facing arrows A in FIG. 12E). Due
to the attracting forces A between implant 12 and structure 14, the
tongue tissue cannot collapse against the pharyngeal conduit during
sleep and thus the airway remains patent. However, when an apnea
patient is awake, the forces may be overcome by swallowing, speech,
coughing, sneezing, etc. Alternatively, the external magnets 18 can
be positioned and worn only for purposes of sleeping allowing for
higher, more therapeutic forces during sleep which are easily
removed to allow normal swallowing and speech function during
daytime hours.
[0169] In an alternative arrangement, as shown in FIG. 12F, the
array of magnetic materials 18 does not symmetrically follow the
entire curved anatomy of the oral cavity from posterior to
anterior. Instead, the array comprises a posterior magnetic region
18a, an anterior magnetic region 18c, and a middle magnetic region
18b asymmetrically only along one side of the tongue. In this
arrangement, in response to the attracting magnetic forces between
the implant 12 implanted in the tongue and the single sided
magnetic structure 14 carried by the chin, neck, or teeth, the
airway on the side of the tongue farthest from magnets 18 will open
up. That side of the tongue will no longer collapse against the
pharyngeal wall and apneic episodes will be prevented.
[0170] In yet another alternative arrangement, as shown in FIGS.
12G and 12H, the tongue implant 12' is aligned in parallel
arrangement to the mouthpiece structure/external component 14. The
magnetic attracting force between the tongue implant 12' and the
external component pushes the tongue in an anterior direction. This
particular embodiment may be able to generate more force than
previous embodiments due to the shorter distance between the tongue
implant and the mouthpiece structure.
[0171] 2. The Soft Palate System
[0172] FIG. 13A shows a representative Soft Palate System 10b of
the type shown in FIG. 5B. The system 10b comprises the
ferromagnetic materials 16 and 18 arranged in an attracting
orientation, as previously described. In FIG. 13A, the Soft Palate
System 10b includes a first magnetic implant 12 comprising a first
magnetic array 22 of a type shown in FIG. 11 sized and configured
for implantation in the soft palate. The Soft Palate System 10b
also includes a second magnetic component 14 comprising a second
magnetic array 26 also of a type shown in FIG. 11, but further
incorporated into a mouthpiece orientation (placed outside the
lower teeth) of a type shown in FIG. 9B.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 13B, the array 22 of the first structure 12
comprises a carrier 24, on which the array 22 of ferromagnetic
material(s) 16 (desirably comprising one or more permanent magnets)
is arranged. As FIGS. 13A and 13B show, the carrier 24 is shaped
along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinally-shaped array 22 is
sized and configured to be implanted along the
anterior-to-posterior axis of the soft palate and the airway,
respectively. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the longitudinal axis
of array 22 extends along the midline of the soft palate or
uvula.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 13C, the array 26 of the second structure
14 comprises a carrier 28, on which the array 26 of magnetic
materials 18 (also permanent magnets) is arranged. The carrier 28
comprises the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 9B. In FIG. 13C, the array
26 is horseshoe-shaped to conform to the profile of the lower
teeth. It can be appreciated that the same orientation of the
magnetic materials 18 can be achieved and stabilized by placing the
array 26 in association with a headgear (as shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B), chin cup (as shown in FIG. 7C), or neck piece (as shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B) or by placing the array in association with other
mouthpieces worn within the oral cavity (as shown in FIGS. 9A and
9C to 9E).
[0175] When implanted, as FIG. 13D shows, poles of the magnetic
material 16 of the first implant 12 are oriented to generally align
with the opposite poles of the magnetic material 18 of the external
component 14 across the airway, that is, either N-S or S-N-poles
are generally aligned across tongue tissue or across the lower jaw,
in the case of a chin cup or neck piece array. As a result the
magnetic external component 14 interacts by attracting the magnetic
soft palate implant 12 (as indicated by the attracting arrows A in
FIG. 13D).
[0176] Due to the attracting force between implant 12 and structure
14, the soft palate does not collapse against the pharyngeal
conduit during sleep and thus the airway remains patent. However,
when an apnea patient is awake, the forces may be overcome by
swallowing, speech, coughing, sneezing, etc. Alternatively, the
oral cavity magnets 18 can be positioned and worn only for purposes
of sleeping, allowing for higher, more therapeutic forces during
sleep which are easily removed to allow normal swallowing and
speech function during daytime hours.
[0177] 3. The Combined System
[0178] FIG. 14A shows a representative Combined System 10c of the
type shown in FIG. 6B. The system 10c comprises the ferromagnetic
materials 16 and 18 arranged in an attracting orientation, as
previously described. In FIG. 14A, the Combined System 10c includes
a pair of first ferromagnetic implants 12a and 12b. Each implant
12a and 12b comprising a ferromagnetic magnetic array 22 of a type
shown in FIG. 11 sized and configured for implantation,
respectively, in the tongue and the soft palate. The Combined
System 10c also includes a second magnetic component 14 comprising
a second magnetic array 26 also of a type shown in FIG. 11, but
further incorporated into a mouthpiece orientation (placed outside
the lower teeth) of a type shown in FIG. 9B.
[0179] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the arrays 22 of the first
structures 12a and 12b each comprises a carrier 24, on which the
respective array 22 of ferromagnetic materials 16 (desirably
comprising one or more ferromagnets) is arranged. As FIGS. 14A and
14B show, the carrier 24 of each structure 12a and 12b is shaped
along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinally-shaped array 22 of
the structure 12b is sized and configured to be implanted along the
anterior-to-posterior axis of the tongue. The longitudinally-shaped
array 22 of the structure 12a is sized and configured to be
implanted along the anterior-to-posterior axis of the soft
palate.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 14C, the array 26 of the second structure
14 comprises a carrier 28, on which the array 26 of magnetic
materials 18 (also permanent magnets) is arranged. The carrier 28
comprises the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 9B. In FIG. 14C, the array
26 is horseshoe-shaped to conform to the profile of the lower
teeth. It can be appreciated that the same orientation of the
magnetic materials 18 can be achieved and stabilized by placing the
array 26 in association with a headgear (as shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B), chin cup (as shown in FIG. 7C), or neck piece (as shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B) or by placing the array in association with other
mouthpieces worn within the oral cavity (as shown in FIGS. 9A and
9C to 9E).
[0181] When implanted, as FIG. 14D shows, the magnetic material 16
of both implants 12a and 12b are generally attracted to the
magnetic material 18 of the external component 14 (as indicated by
the attracting arrows A in FIG. 14D). Due to the attracting forces
A between each of the implants 12a and 12b and the structure 14,
the tongue and the soft palate resist collapse against the
pharyngeal conduit during sleep and thus the airway remains patent.
However, when an apnea patient is awake, the forces may be overcome
by swallowing, speech, coughing, sneezing, etc. Alternatively, the
oral cavity magnets 18 can be positioned and worn only for purposes
of sleeping allowing for higher, more therapeutic forces during
sleep which are easily removed to allow normal swallowing and
speech function during daytime hours.
[0182] The various magnetic force systems 10a, 10b, and 10c as
described provide an elegant, cost-effective treatment of sleep
apnea. Placed in or on tissue in the tongue, soft palate, or uvula,
the ferromagnetic structure 12, along with its companion
ferromagnetic structure 14, is well tolerated and significantly
more comfortable and user friendly than the equipment of CPAP and
is likely more desirable than other highly intrusive surgical
treatment options. The magnetic systems 10a, 10b, and 10c offer a
sophisticated, yet easy to use design, which can be shaped,
configured, and magnetically titrated to meet patients' individual
needs, based upon specific anatomic and physiologic requirements,
as will be described in greater detail later.
III. MODERATING THE FORCE-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP FORCES IN DYNAMIC
TISSUE REGIONS
[0183] A. Generally
[0184] In the systems 10a, 10b, and 10c shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E;
13A to 13D; and 14A to 14D, the magnetic components 12 and 14 are
desirably aligned vertically across the lower jaw or across tongue
tissue from each other to create an attracting magnetic force
field. In reality, there is rarely a theoretically "perfect"
magnetic alignment between the magnetic materials 16 and 18. This
is due to the dynamic nature of the tongue and soft palate in the
airway. The distance and orientation between the tongue and soft
palate, and between each of the tongue and soft palate and the
lower jaw varies due to patient-to-patient anatomical variability,
as well as the tongue's and soft palate's constant movement during
sleep and waking hours. There is rarely a geometrically "perfect,"
parallel relationship between these tissue structures within the
airway. Further, when the tongue or soft palate moves laterally,
posteriorly, anteriorly, cranially, caudally, in a rolling manner,
or any combinations thereof during sleep, the movement can
significantly alter the orientation and alignment between the
attracting magnetic materials 16 and 18 from one moment to
another.
[0185] Variations in the force across an implant (or a magnet, or
any other object) can manifest as torques, and are present in any
magnetic system that is not in perfect alignment. Torque is present
in all systems, whether attracting or repelling; when magnets are
not in "perfect" alignment, where there is increased misalignment
by angle or position, the torque will tend to correct the alignment
of the magnets; i.e., they will rotate toward an alignment that
maximizes the attracting force. The magnets want to be perfectly
aligned in the highest state of attraction possible, in other words
to be best aligned with a N-pole facing a S-pole.
[0186] Magnetic structures placed in or on mobile anatomic
structures in the airway are seldom, if ever, orientated in a way
that permits theoretically "perfect" or ideal alignment of N-S or
S-N attracting poles. The alignment of the attracting magnetic
materials is rarely theoretically "perfect" or ideal, and it is
subject to continuous change. It is by understanding and
controlling the torque inherent in magnetic systems, that the
tongue can be effectively manipulated for the therapeutic purposes
disclosed herein.
[0187] B. Design Considerations
[0188] Any attracting magnetic system involving the tongue and/or
soft palate desirably takes into account and balances at least
three considerations. One consideration is anatomic--(i) the
varying distances and the lack of perfect parallel alignment
between the tongue and the soft palate and between each of the
tongue and the soft palate and the lower jaw, due to individual
upper respiratory anatomy and the natural movement of the tongue
relative to the soft palate and relative movement of either the
tongue or soft palate to the lower jaw. The other two
considerations are physical--(ii) the ability to place implants in
the most desired orientation to one another; and (iii) the distance
between attracting magnets and the resulting force must also be
taken into account, i.e. systems which keep distance relatively
short and provide for a tether to apply force at an off-set
location.
[0189] A given attracting tongue or soft palate structure should
desirably be maintained in a position of maximal attraction as
other structures, such as the tongue, soft palate, or uvula, move
in relation to the lower jaw. For example, it should be recognized
that during sleep, the tongue will undergo a wide variety of
motions and changes of angular orientation to the lower jaw.
[0190] A given tongue or soft palate structure desirably includes
features for maintaining the implant in its close to maximal
attracting state at all the angular alignments and varying
distances normally and abnormally encountered with respect to the
lower jaw, but should still allow for performance of natural bodily
functions during sleep, e.g. swallowing.
[0191] C. Titrated Magnetic Arrays
[0192] Magnetic force is roughly inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between the magnetic structures. Magnetic
force is therefore very sensitive to distance. A small increase in
distance between attracting magnetic structures can therefore lead
to a dramatic decrease in magnetic force between them. The slope of
Curve SM in FIG. 15 demonstrates how the magnitude of a magnetic
force field (y-axis) between two single magnet structures (as shown
in FIG. 10) decreases significantly with relatively small increases
in distance between them (x-axis) due to the inverse-square
relationship.
[0193] The range of distances between magnetic structures 12 and 14
in the systems 10a, 10b, and 10c during normal anatomic functions
of the tongue and/or soft palate will be in shorthand called the
"working range." It is believed that, in the context of the systems
10a, 10b, and 10c, the working range lies in a range of about 3 cm
to 4 cm. For a given system 10a, 10b, or 10c, the magnetic
structures 12 and 14 are desirably sized and configured so that the
magnitude and flux distribution of the magnetic force field is
designed or selected so that variations in magnetic force due to
variations in distance between the structures 12 and 14 are
moderated, at least within the boundaries of the working range. At
least within the boundaries of the working range, the titrated
magnetic force field provides a variation of magnetic field force
with distance that presents a slope having a magnitude less than
the slope of curve SM in FIG. 15. Again, within the boundaries of
the working range, the slope of the magnetic force field diminishes
substantially, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the
force-distance relationship. In the systems 10a, 10b, and 10c shown
in FIGS. 12A to 12D; 13A to 13D; and 14A to 14D, the magnetic
structure 14 is desirably sized and configured to provide one or
more field direction(s) such that the magnetic structure 14
maintains a relatively constant magnetic field and attracting force
with the internal structure 12 despite relative movement of the
tongue, soft palate, or uvula in the normal performance of bodily
functions.
[0194] During the normal performance of bodily functions, the
separation between the centers of mass of the structures 12 and 14
will vary within the working range between a distance
.delta..sub.FAR (expressed in units of centimeters) where the
centers of mass of the structures 12 and 14 are placed farthest
apart and a distance .delta..sub.NEAR (expressed in units of
centimeters) where the centers of mass of the structures 12 and 14
are placed closest together. At the distances .delta..sub.FAR and
.delta..sub.NEAR there will be a resulting magnetic force,
respectively F.sub.FAR (expressed in units of grams) and F.sub.NEAR
(expressed in units of grams) of the magnetic force system, which
will vary roughly inversely proportional to the square of the
respective far and near distances of the working range, or
(1/.delta..sub.FAR.sup.2) and (1/.delta..sub.NEAR.sup.2),
respectively. The magnetic structures 12 and 14 are desirably
mutually sized and configured so that variations in magnetic force
due to various in distance between the magnetic structures 12 and
14 within the working range maintain a relationship, as
follows:
(F.sub.NEAR/F.sub.FAR).ltoreq.(.delta..sub.FAR.sup.2/.delta..sub.NEAR.su-
p.2)
[0195] In this way, the magnetic structure 14 maintains a
relatively constant magnetic field and attracting force with the
internal structure 12 despite relative movement of the tongue, soft
palate, or uvula within the working range in the normal performance
of bodily functions.
[0196] To achieve this objective, the systems 10a, 10b, and 10c
desirably include magnetic structures 12 and 14 comprising arrays
of magnets like that shown in FIG. 11. Arrays of magnetic materials
16 and 18 provide a more uniform distribution of magnetic field and
attracting force with the internal structure 12 within the desired
working range. Arrays of magnetic materials 16 and 18 also make it
possible to control the magnitude and distribution of the magnetic
field between the structures 16 and 18 to moderate the sensitivity
of the force-distance relationship within the working range.
Larger, smaller, or different arrays of magnetic materials 16 and
18 can be used to titrate the uniform attracting force with
internal structure 12 and external magnet 14.
[0197] For example, the magnetic structure 14 shown in FIGS. 16A
and 16B includes an array of magnets comprising distinct spatial
magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c having different polarities. The
magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c are sized and configured for use
in association with an implanted magnetic structure 12 to form a
Tongue System 10a, or a Soft Palate System 10b, or a Combined
System 10c. In FIGS. 16A and 16B the magnetic structure 12 also
comprises an array of magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c implanted
in the tongue, or soft palate/uvula, or both the tongue and soft
palate/uvula.
[0198] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the spatially distinct
magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c can each comprise a single
magnet or an array of individual magnets of common polarity (as
shown in FIG. 11) arranged on a carrier. The array of spatially
distinct magnetic materials 16a, 16b, and 16c can be sized and
configured to follow the curved anatomy of the oral cavity from
posterior to anterior.
[0199] The structure 14 comprises posterior magnetic regions 18a
(located on opposite sides of the tongue), an anterior magnetic
region 18c (located along the curved anterior region of the oral
cavity), and a middle magnetic region 18b (located between the
anterior and posterior regions of the oral cavity on opposite sides
of the tongue). The array of magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c
shown in FIG. 16A is sized and configured for particular use in a
chin-mounted or mouth piece configuration, as previously discussed
and as shown, respectively, in FIGS. 7A to 7C and FIGS. 9A to 9E.
The array of magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c shown in FIG. 16B
is sized and configured for particular use in a neck piece
configuration, as previously described and as shown in FIGS. 8A and
8B.
[0200] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the N-poles of the magnetic
regions 18a, 18b, and 18c in the headgears, chin cup, mouth piece,
or neck arrays are mutually oriented differently both with respect
to each other and with respect to the S-poles of the magnetic
materials 16 implanted in the airway in the tongue and/or soft
palate. The mutually different orientations of the N-poles of the
magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c provide a titrated magnetic
field force that moderates the sensitivity of force-to-distance
relationship between the magnetic materials 16 and 18 in the
working range.
[0201] More particularly, as FIGS. 16A and 16B show, the
orientation of the N-poles of the spatially distinct magnetic
regions 18a, 18b, and 18c varies from posterior to anterior with
respect to the S-poles of the magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c.
As FIGS. 16A and 16B show, the anterior magnetic region 18c
(spanning the front of the oral cavity) has a N-pole orientation
directed toward the oral cavity, in a facing relationship with the
S-poles of the magnet regions 16a, 16b, and 16c. As the region 18c
curves to conform to the curved anatomy of the anterior oral
cavity, the orientation of the N-poles of the magnetic region 18c
likewise changes to always point inwards toward the S-poles of the
magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c. The N-S orientation between the
anterior magnetic region 18c of the structure 14 and the anterior
magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c of the structure 12 generates an
attracting magnetic field (attracting arrows A) in the anterior
region of the oral cavity. The attracting magnetic field A resists
posterior movement of the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula, which is
a desired therapeutic objective.
[0202] The posterior magnetic regions 18a of the structure 14
(located on opposite sides of the tongue in the back of the oral
cavity) have a N-pole orientation toward the oral cavity. The
magnetic region 18a thereby presents N-poles oriented in a
generally facing relationship with the N-poles of the magnet
regions 16a, 16b, and 16c, which are located in the posterior of
the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula. The N-N orientation between
the posterior magnetic regions 18a of the structure 14 and the
posterior magnetic regions 16a, 16b, and 16c of the structure 12
generates a repelling magnetic field (repelling arrows R) in the
posterior region of the oral cavity. The fluxes of the arrays
interact to create an anterior directed force, which is relatively
stable where the implant is well-aligned in a medial-lateral
direction.
[0203] In this arrangement, the middle magnet regions 18b of the
structure 14 (between the posterior and anterior magnetic regions
18a and 18c on opposite sides of the tongue along the lateral sides
of the oral cavity) have a N-pole orientation toward the anterior
magnetic region 18c. Juxtaposed between the attracting magnetic
field in the anterior region of the oral cavity and the repelling
magnetic field in the posterior region of the oral cavity, the
N-pole orientation of the middle magnetic region 18b's direct flux
in the magnetic field between the anterior magnetic region 18c's
(which attracts the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula at the anterior
region of the oral cavity) and the posterior magnetic region 18a's
(which repels the tongue and/or soft palate/uvula at the posterior
region of the oral cavity), without imposing a significant
destabilizing side-to-side attracting force on the tongue and/or
soft palate. The magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c have been sized
and configured to create a relatively constant magnetic flux or a
relatively constant magnetic flux gradient in the working range
where the implant 12 is expected to be positioned.
[0204] The magnetic regions 18a, 18b, and 18c shown in FIGS. 16A
and 16B can be variously constructed. For example, FIGS. 17A and
17B are illustrative examples of magnetic arrays comprising seven
separate permanent magnets 18(1) to 18(7), whose N-polarities have
been labeled. FIG. 17A is directed to a chin-mounted or mouth piece
structure, like FIG. 16A. FIG. 17B is directed to a neck-collar
structure, like that in FIG. 16B.
[0205] Magnets 18(1) and 18(7) each comprise a posterior magnetic
region 18a. Magnets 18(3), 18(4), and 18(5) collectively comprise
the anterior magnetic region 18c. Magnets 18(2) and 18(6) each
comprise a middle magnetic region 18b. As shown in FIGS. 17A and
17B, the magnetic fields can be manipulated by changing direction
of the magnets themselves.
[0206] FIG. 15 illustrates (Curve MM) the force versus distance
relationship between arrays 12 and 14 as shown in FIGS. 16A/B and
FIGS. 17A/B, as just described. The slope of Curve MM in FIG. 15
demonstrates how magnitude of a magnetic force field (y-axis)
between the two arrays 12 and 14 (as shown in FIGS. 16A/B or 17A/B)
does not decrease significantly within the boundaries of the
working range (x-axis). Curve MM further demonstrates that the
slope diminishes substantially within the boundaries of the working
range.
[0207] FIG. 18A is a diagrammatic representation of a finite
element analysis showing the flux direction lines for the magnetic
arrays of a type shown in FIGS. 16A/B and 17A/B. FIG. 18B is
another diagrammatic representation of a finite element analysis
showing distribution of the magnetic field force for these magnetic
arrays 16a/16b/16c and 18(1) to 18(7). As seen in FIG. 18B, the
arrays generate a titrated magnetic field F1/F2/F3 having a force
that generates a relatively constant force F3 over a working range
of 3 cm to 4 cm. This relatively constant magnetic field force F3
allows the structure 12 implanted in the tongue, soft palate, or
uvula to vary in its position within the working range due to
normal functions without significant loss of attracting magnetic
force with respect to the structure 14.
[0208] D. Tethered Magnetic Structures
[0209] FIGS. 39A and 39C show representative embodiments of a
tethered ferromagnetic structure 120 implanted in an anterior
region of a tongue in proximity to a magnetic structure 14 as
previously described, e.g., a mouthpiece carried within the oral
cavity or an external carrier placed on or under the chin or about
the neck. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 39A shows the magnetic
structure 14 worn externally under the chin, while in FIG. 39C the
magnetic structure 14 is part of a chin cup. As seen in FIGS. 39A
and 39C, the ferromagnetic structure 120 includes one or more
permanent magnets or ferromagnetic materials implanted in tissue
beneath the tongue or in an anterior region of the tongue,
respectively. In use, the ferromagnetic structure 120 in the tongue
magnetically interacts with the magnetic structure 14. The
ferromagnetic structure 120 and the magnetic structure 14 are
arranged in an attracting orientation, to draw the tongue forward
and/or resist posterior movement of the tongue in a manner that
would otherwise occlude the airway.
[0210] Due to the relatively close proximity of the ferromagnetic
structure 120 to the magnetic structure 14, the magnitude of the
magnetic force field is maximized. Further, to resist migration of
the ferromagnetic structure 120 within tissue in the presence of
the relatively strong magnetic force field, the ferromagnetic
structure 120 further includes an anchoring system 122. The
anchoring system 122 comprises a non-magnetic holding or anchoring
structure 124 that is tethered by a band, suture, or another means
for attachment 126 to the ferromagnetic structure 120. The presence
of the anchoring system 122 resists migration of the ferromagnetic
structure 120 within tissue as a result of the magnetic interaction
with the magnetic structure 14. Furthermore, the anchoring system
pulls the posterior tongue tissue in an anterior direction to
prevent collapse of the tongue. The anchoring system 122 may also
serve to stabilize the ferromagnetic structure 120 in a relatively
large, soft tissue mass, such as the tongue.
[0211] As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39C, the anchoring structure 124
is implanted in a tissue mass spaced from and posterior to the
ferromagnetic structure 120, e.g., at the back of the tongue. The
anchoring structure 124 can comprise, e.g., a biocompatible woven,
formed, or molded structure made from a polymer or fiber or fabric
or non-ferrous metallic material, which resists deterioration,
while exhibiting sufficient flexibility to prevent discomfort or
affecting speech or swallowing. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39C, the
holding structure 124 may include perforations 128. The
perforations 128 impart greater flexibility to the holding
structure 124. The perforations 128 also accommodate tissue
in-growth, further securing implantation in tissue. Alternatively
(as shown in FIG. 39E), the anchoring structure 124 can comprise an
expandable umbrella-like structure 142 that collapses for
implantation (as shown in sold lines in FIG. 39E) and that expands
in situ at the implantation site (as shown in phantom lines in FIG.
39E).
[0212] The means for attachment 126 couples or tethers the
ferromagnetic structure 120 to the holding or anchoring structure
124. The means for attachment 126 may comprise a generally
non-elastic material, e.g., a non-resorbable suture material, other
woven biocompatible lacing or fabric, or a non-woven polymer strip
such as nylon or acetal or a biocompatible metallic material such
as nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol.RTM.). The means for attachment
126 may comprise a biocompatible stem with perforations to permit
tissue in-growth and may also include barbs or hooks deploying form
the stem, to further stabilize the tethered ferromagnetic
structure. Alternatively (as shown in FIG. 39F), the means for
attachment 126 may be sized and configured to be passed or threaded
through an aperture 144 in the anchoring structure 124 and locked
into a position of tension, e.g., using a suture lock 146 or knot.
This arrangement makes it possible to adjust and control tension
within the implant either during initial implantation or subsequent
to the initial implantation, or both.
[0213] In an alternative embodiment, the means for attachment 126
may comprise more elastic materials, to provide compliance and
increased comfort for the patient. For instance, when swallowing,
the tongue moves in a posterior direction and elasticity may
prevent arousal from sleep and further may avoid migration of the
ferromagnetic structure 120. The anchoring structure 124 is
desirably wider than the means for attachment 126, thereby
providing the desired resistance for the implanted ferromagnetic
structure 120 against being pulled through or out of the implanted
tissue region during its magnetic interaction with the close-by
magnetic structure 14.
[0214] As shown in FIGS. 39B, 39D, 39E, and 39F, the ferromagnetic
structure 120 may be individually tethered to two or more anchoring
structures 124 by respective means for attachment 126.
[0215] In this arrangement, the desired physiologic response
(resistance of airway tissue collapse) is achieved by the magnetic
structure 14 (e.g., on head gear or a mouthpiece, as previously
described) creating a magnetic field that interacts with tethered
ferromagnetic structure 120 implanted in the caudal anterior
(front) section of the tongue or below the tongue. The implanted
ferromagnetic structure 120 has a magnetic orientation opposite to
the magnetic orientation of the magnetic structure 14. The magnetic
force between opposite magnetic orientations creates an attracting
force. As a result of the attracting force, the tongue is drawn
forward, toward the front of the oral cavity, to resist an
occlusion of the airway at the base of the tongue.
[0216] The tether attached to the magnetic structure 120 serves to
efficiently transfer the motion or movement of structure 120 to the
base of the tongue (the site of the obstruction). The use of the
tether is designed to avoid the situation where a magnet in the
tongue positioned so as to be moved by application of an external
magnet 14 is moved anteriorly, but that motion does not translate
to motion of the tongue base at the pharyngeal wall.
[0217] E. Anterior Tongue/Hyoid Muscle Magnetic Structures
[0218] FIG. 40A shows a representative embodiment of a
ferromagnetic structure 120 implanted in an anterior or caudal
anterior region of a tongue, or in one or more hyoid muscles such
as the suprahyoid muscles, e.g., the mylohyoid muscles, and/or
geniohyoid muscles, and/or stylohyoid muscles, and/or digastric
muscles, in proximity to previously-described structure 14, e.g., a
mouthpiece carried within the oral cavity or an external carrier
placed on or under the chin or about the neck. For purposes of
illustration, FIG. 40A shows the structure 14 worn externally under
the chin; however, the structure 14 can comprise a removable oral
appliance fitted over the teeth in the oral cavity or located in
the vestibule of the mouth. As seen in FIG. 40A, the ferromagnetic
structure 120 includes one or more permanent magnets or
ferromagnetic materials 16 implanted in tissue beneath the tongue
or in an anterior region of the tongue, respectively. In use, the
ferromagnetic structure 120 in the tongue magnetically interacts
with structure 14. The ferromagnetic structure 120 and structure 14
are arranged in an attracting orientation, to draw the tongue
forward and/or resist posterior movement of the tongue in a manner
that would otherwise occlude the airway.
[0219] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 40B, the
anteriorly-placed ferromagnetic structures 16 are smaller in size
than the posteriorly-placed ferromagnetic structures. The
posteriorly-placed ferromagnetic structures 16 are larger because
the ferromagnetic structure 120 needs to exert a stronger force on
the posterior side than on the anterior side, so as to keep the
tongue from collapsing and closing off the airway. Furthermore, the
posterior end of ferromagnetic structure 120 also contains an
aperture 121 through which the structure may become attached or
anchored to the hyoid bone. As seen in FIG. 40C, another
alternative embodiment consists of a ferromagnetic structure 120
which is smooth on one side, while the embedded ferromagnetic
structures project from the opposite side.
[0220] As seen in FIGS. 40A to 40C, due to the relatively close
proximity of the ferromagnetic structure 120 to structure 14 as
well as the large area covered by ferromagnetic structure 120, the
magnitude of the magnetic force field is maximized.
[0221] In this arrangement, the desired physiologic response
(resistance of airway tissue collapse) is achieved by structure 14
(e.g., on head gear or a mouthpiece, as previously described)
creating a magnetic field that interacts with ferromagnetic
structure 120 implanted in the caudal anterior (front) section of
the tongue or below the tongue. The implanted ferromagnetic
structure 120 has a magnetic orientation opposite to the magnetic
orientation of structure 14. The magnetic force between opposite
magnetic orientations creates an attracting force. As a result of
the attracting force, the tongue is drawn forward, toward the front
of the oral cavity, to resist an occlusion of the airway at the
base of the tongue.
IV. OTHER REPRESENTATIVE MAGNETIC STRUCTURES FOR DYNAMIC TISSUE
REGIONS
[0222] A. Self-Centering Magnetic Structures
[0223] FIG. 19 shows in a diagrammatic way a magnetic system
comprising two magnetic structures 12 and 14. As described before,
the structures are sized and configured to be placed in or on
spaced apart tissue regions in a mutually aligned orientation that
generates magnetic interaction between the two structures.
Depending upon the polarities of the two structures 12 and 14, the
magnetic interaction can comprise, either a magnetic attracting
force between the two structures, to resist movement of the two
tissue regions away from each other, or a magnetic repelling force
between the two structures, to resist movement of the two tissue
regions toward each other, or a combination of these and other
forces.
[0224] As stated before, unless the structures 12 and 14 are
aligned in a theoretically ideal fashion, the magnetic interaction
will urge the most mobile of the structures (in FIG. 19, the
structure 12) to seek an alignment with the least mobile of the
structures (in FIG. 19, the structure 14) closest to the
theoretically ideal position. Under these circumstances, the better
the structures 12 and 14 are aligned, the less magnetic force is
lost and the less torque is experienced by the most mobile
structure. Practically speaking from both an anatomic and surgical
perspective, it is difficult to achieve and maintain theoretically
ideal alignment of magnetic structures carried in or on tissue.
Given this difficulty, due to misalignment, a surgically implanted
magnetic system may dissipate some or a large part of the intended
magnetic force.
[0225] In the system shown in FIG. 20A, at least one of the
structures 12 or 14 comprises a self-centering magnetic structure
130. The self-centering magnetic structure 130 comprises at least
one mobile magnet 132 enclosed in a capsule or container 134. The
shape of the mobile magnet 132 relative to the capsule or container
134 is configured and sized to permit the mobile magnet 132 to
translate or move freely within the boundaries of the capsule or
container 134 in response to misaligned magnetic interaction with
the other structure 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when
misalignment between the self-centering structure 130 and the other
structure 14 occurs, the mobile magnet 132 in the self-centering
structure 130 will translate or move within the boundaries of the
capsule or container 134 (as shown in FIG. 20B) to seek a
theoretically ideal alignment with respect to the other structure
14. As relative tissue orientations dynamically change, the mobile
magnet 132 will also dynamically translate or move within the
boundaries of the capsule or structure 134 to maintain the best
possible alignment with the other structure. The boundaries of the
capsule or container 134 provide a region of open space 136 where
the mobile magnet can maneuver relatively unimpeded to seek the
best possible alignment with the other structure. In FIGS. 20A and
20B, a Tongue System 10a is shown for purposes of illustration. As
shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the Tongue System 10a comprises a
self-centering magnetic tongue implant 130 interacting with an
internal magnetic array 14.
[0226] As shown in FIG. 21A, the self-centering magnetic structure
130 may comprise a magnetic structure 14 like that previously
described that is sized and configured to be placed in or on tissue
outside an airway, e.g., comprising a carrier worn on the chin or
about the neck. In this arrangement, the self-centering magnetic
structure is intended to be placed in association with another
magnetic structure 12 sized and configured to be placed in or on
tissue within an airway, e.g., on the tongue, soft palate/uvula, or
both. Together, the self-centering structure and the other
structure 12 form a system 10a, 10b, or 10c, as previously
described. In FIG. 21A, a Tongue System 10a is shown for purposes
of illustration. As shown in FIG. 21A, the Tongue System 10a
comprises a tongue implant 12 interacting with an external,
self-centering magnetic structure 130.
[0227] As shown in FIG. 21B, the self-centering magnetic structure
130 can comprise a carrier 26 that includes at least one capsule
134 housing at least one mobile magnet 132. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 21B, the capsule 134 is compartmentalized for purposes of
illustration into two spatially separate zones Z1 and Z2, each
housing at least one mobile magnet 132 (generally corresponding to
the posterior and intermediate regions 18a and 18b shown in FIG.
120). In the arrangement, the most anterior magnetic region (region
18c in FIG. 12C) can comprise one or more magnets that are not
mobile, or vice versa. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21C, the
capsule 134 is compartmentalized for purposes of illustration into
three separate zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 (generally similar to the
regions 18a, 18b, and 18c in FIG. 12C), each housing at least one
mobile magnet 132. The zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 can also be viewed as
being separate capsules 134. As shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, each
zone or capsule may contain a plurality of smaller mobile magnets,
commensurate with the available volume of the zone or capsule,
allowing the mobile magnets to move freely and align themselves
within the capsule with the other structure 12. The separate zones
Z1, Z2, and Z3 or capsules 134 keep the mobile magnets 132 in
spatial zones, so that the mobile magnets 132 do not congregate in
one location. Each zone Z1, Z2, and Z3 or capsule 134 is sized and
configured to accommodate allowable, defined and controlled
movement of the mobile magnet or magnets 132 housed within its
boundaries. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21D, any or all zones
Z1, Z2, or Z3 or capsules 134 may contain a single, larger mobile
magnet 132.
[0228] As shown in FIGS. 21E and 21F, the self-centering magnetic
structure 130 can include a single zone or capsule that is
centrally located, to be, in use, essentially under the tongue. The
zone or capsule 134 can accommodate a single, larger mobile magnet
132 (as shown in FIG. 21E) or more than one smaller mobile magnet
132 in the centrally-located zone or capsule 134 that is
essentially located under the tongue (as shown in FIG. 21F).
[0229] Because the self-centering magnetic structures 130 shown in
FIGS. 21A to 21F are intended to be placed on external tissue, the
internal volume of the zones or capsules can be relatively large
(compared to a capsule in a structure that is intended to be
implanted in tissue), thereby providing a relatively large freedom
of movement for the mobile magnet it houses.
[0230] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22A, the self-centering
magnetic structure 130 can be sized and configured for placement
within an oral cavity, e.g., inside, outside, or on top of the
lower or upper teeth, as has already been described. In this
arrangement, the self-centering magnetic structure 130 is intended
to be placed in association with another magnetic structure (in
FIG. 22A, magnetic structure 12) sized and configured to be placed
in or on tissue within an airway, e.g., on the tongue, soft
palate/uvula, or both. Together, the self-centering structure and
the other structure 12 form a system 10a, 10b, or 10c, as
previously described. In FIG. 22A, a Soft Palate System 10b is
shown for purposes of illustration. The Soft Palate System 10b in
FIG. 22A comprises a soft palate implant 12 interacting with an
internal, self-centering magnetic structure 130.
[0231] In this embodiment, like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21A
to 21F, the self-centering magnetic structure 130 comprises at
least one capsule 134 housing at least one mobile magnet 132. In
FIG. 223, like FIG. 21B, the capsule 134 is compartmentalized for
purposes of illustration into one or more separate spatial zones Z1
and Z2 each sized and configured to accommodate unimpeded movement
of at least one mobile magnet 132 within its boundaries. As before
stated, the zones Z1 and Z2 can also be viewed as being separate
capsules 134. The separate zones Z1 and Z2 or capsules 134 keep the
mobile magnets 132 in spatial zones, so that the mobile magnets 132
do not congregate in one location. Because the structure shown in
FIG. 22B is intended to be placed within the airway, the internal
volume of the zones Z1 and Z2 or capsules 134 will be relatively
smaller, compared to a capsule in a structure like that in FIG.
21B, which is intended to be externally worn. Still, the zones Z1
and Z2 or capsules 134 and mobile magnets 132 they house can be
mutually sized and configured to provide a relatively large freedom
of movement for the mobile magnets 132. As shown in FIG. 22B, each
zone Z1 and Z2 or capsule 134 may contain a single mobile magnet,
or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22C, each zone or capsule 134
may be compartmentalized to contain a plurality of smaller mobile
magnets 132. The number of zones and/or mobile magnets can vary, as
shown in FIGS. 21A to 21F. Also, as previously described, a given
structure 14 can include both mobile magnets 132 and non-mobile
magnets 18 (for example 18c shown in FIG. 21B). Many variations are
contemplated.
[0232] As shown in FIG. 23A, the self-centering magnetic structure
130 may comprise a magnetic structure 12, like that previously
described, that is sized and configured to be placed in or on
tissue inside an airway, e.g., comprising a carrier placed in or on
a tongue and/or a soft palate/uvula, as has already been described.
In this arrangement, the self-centering magnetic structure 130 is
intended to be placed in association with another magnetic
structure 14 sized and configured to be placed in or on tissue
outside an airway (on the chin or neck) or inside the airway (on
the lower teeth). Together, the self-centering structure and the
other structure 12 form a system 10a, 10b, or 10c, as previously
described. In FIG. 23A, a Tongue System 10a is shown for purposes
of illustration. The Tongue System 10a in FIG. 23A comprises a
self-centering tongue implant structure 130 interacting with an
external magnetic structure 14. In this arrangement, the
interaction between the self-centering tongue implant structure 130
and the external structure places a torque on the tongue. It should
be appreciated that other structures 14 can also comprise a
self-centering external structure of a type shown in FIGS.
21A/B/C/D/E/F or a self-centering internal structure of a type
shown in FIGS. 22A/B/C.
[0233] In this embodiment, like the previous embodiments shown in
FIGS. 21A/B/C/D/E/F and 22 A/B/C, the self-centering magnetic
structure 130 comprises at least one capsule 134 housing at least
one mobile magnet 132. In FIG. 23B, like FIGS. 21B and 22B, the
capsule 134 is compartmentalized into separate spatial zones Z(N)
sized and configured to accommodate unimpeded movement of at least
one mobile magnet 132 within its boundaries. In FIG. 23B, there are
eight zones shown (i.e., N=8). These zones Z(N) can also be viewed
as separate capsules 134. As before described, the separate zones
Z(N) or capsules 134 keep the mobile magnets 132 in spatial zones,
so that the mobile magnets 132 do not congregate in one location.
Because the structure 130 shown in FIG. 23B is intended to be
placed within a tongue or soft palate, the internal volume of the
zones Z(N) or capsules 134 will be relatively smaller, compared to
a capsule in a structure like that in FIG. 21B, which intended to
be externally worn. Still, the zones Z(N) or capsules 134 and
mobile magnets 132 they house can be mutually sized and configured
to provide a relatively large freedom of movement for the mobile
magnets 132. As shown in FIG. 23B, any or all zones Z(N) or
capsules 134 may contain a single mobile magnet 132, or
alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23C, any or all zones Z(N) or
capsule 134 may be compartmentalized to contain a plurality of
smaller mobile magnets 132. The number of zones and/or mobile
magnets can vary, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21F. Also, as previously
described, a given structure 14 can include both mobile magnets 132
and non-mobile magnets 18 (like that shown in FIG. 21B). Many
variations are contemplated.
[0234] As shown in FIGS. 24A/24B/24C the mobile magnet 132 housed
within a given capsule 134 or zone can comprise various shapes. For
example, the mobile magnet 132 may have either a disk-like or
spherical configuration (FIG. 24A), or a cylindrical configuration
(FIG. 24B), or a triangular configuration (FIG. 24C). The shape can
be selected to affect the manner in which the mobile magnet 132
moves or translates within the capsule. For example, the mobile
cylindrical magnet 132 (FIG. 24B) can roll easily within the
capsule 134 in order to align in a proper position. The mobile
triangular magnet 132 (FIG. 24C) can include a base having a
stronger magnetic flux than the apex of the triangle, to help
direct flux in a desired direction.
[0235] B. Off-Center Magnetic Structures
[0236] The tissue on the lateral sides of the tongue, due to its
decreased thickness, may be easier to move than. the tissue along
the midline of the tongue. Thus, a magnetic structure that is
placed in or on tissue on only one side of the tongue can
effectively repel a correspondingly positioned magnetic implant in
or on a pharyngeal wall.
[0237] FIG. 25 shows a cross-section of a collapsed pharyngeal
conduit, like FIG. 3 but shown from another perspective, sufficient
to cause an apneic episode. FIG. 25 also shows the tongue with an
implanted magnetic structure 70. Magnetic tongue structure 70
comprises at least two magnets 16 oriented in the same direction,
substantially perpendicular to the midline of the tongue. As can be
seen in FIG. 25, the location of magnetic tongue structure 70 is
generally perpendicular and off-center with respect to the raphe of
the tongue. That is, as the embodiment in FIG. 25 shows, all of the
structure 70 occupies one side of the tongue along the raphe.
Essentially no part of the structure 70 (and therefore no magnets)
extends across the raphe to the opposite side of the tongue.
[0238] FIG. 26A shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 25) due to the interactions between the off-center magnetic
tongue structure 70 and an external magnetic structure 14 of the
type shown in FIG. 12C/E, which together form an embodiment of a
Tongue System 10a. Forces of magnetic attraction between the
off-center structure 70 and the structure 14 in FIG. 26A pull the
off-center structure 70 anteriorly toward the pharyngeal wall,
opening one side of the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent
the apneic episode.
[0239] FIG. 26B shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 25) due to the interactions between the off-center magnetic
tongue structure 70 and an external magnetic structure 14 of the
type shown in FIG. 12F, which form another embodiment of a Tongue
System 10a. Forces of magnetic attraction between the off-center
structure 70 and the structure 14 in FIG. 26B pull the off-center
magnetic structure 70 toward the opposite side of the tongue with
respect to the location of the off-center magnetic structure 70,
opening one side of the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent
the apneic episode.
[0240] FIG. 27 shows a new position of the tongue (compared to FIG.
25) due to the interactions between the off-center magnetic tongue
structure 70 and an internal magnetic structure 14' placed in or on
the posterior pharyngeal wall across from the region of the tongue
where the off-center magnetic structure 70 is implanted. The
internal magnetic structure 14' carries one or more magnets 18
having a polarity facing the airway that is the same as the
off-center magnetic structure 70. The off-center magnetic structure
70 magnetically interacts with the pharyngeal wall structure 14 by
repelling. Forces of magnetic repulsion between the off-center
structure 70 and the structure 14 in FIG. 27 push the magnetic
tongue structure 70 anteriorly toward the mouth, opening one side
of the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent the apneic
episode.
[0241] C. Rudder-Type Magnetic Structures
[0242] FIG. 28 shows a cross-section of a collapsed pharyngeal
conduit, like FIG. 3 but shown from another perspective, sufficient
to cause an apneic episode. FIG. 28 also shows the tongue with an
implanted, rudder-type magnetic structure 72. The magnetic
structure 72 comprises a first region or arm 74 carrying at least
two magnets 16 oriented in the same direction transversally along
the midline of the tongue. As can be seen in FIG. 28, the location
of the magnets 18 in the arm 74 is off-center with respect and
generally perpendicular to the raphe of the tongue, as previously
described with respect to FIG. 25. However, unlike the embodiment
shown in FIG. 25, the magnetic structure 72 includes a second
region or arm 76 that extends across the raphe to the opposite side
of the tongue. The region or arm 76 is free or essentially free of
magnets, so that essentially no magnets occupy this region of the
tongue.
[0243] The magnet-free region or arm 76, which extends to a
location of the tongue not occupied by the magnets 16, acts as a
rudder. Rudder-type magnetic structures 72 of the type shown in
FIG. 28 are variants of the off-center magnetic structures 70 shown
in FIG. 25. The presence of the rudder 76 serves to move more soft
tissue than the off-center structure 70 shown in FIG. 25 and/or to
further stabilize the structure 72 during use.
[0244] FIG. 29A shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 28) due to the interactions between the rudder-type magnetic
structure 72 and an external magnetic structure 14 of the type
shown in FIGS. 12C and 12E, which together form an embodiment of a
Tongue System 10a. Forces of magnetic attraction between the
rudder-type structure 72 and the structure 14 in FIG. 29A pull the
magnetic portion of the tongue structure 72 anteriorly toward the
mouth. This is because the magnets 16 of the structure 72 have an
S-polarity facing toward the front (anterior) of the oral cavity,
and the magnets 18 of the structure 14 have an opposite N-polarity
facing inward toward the oral cavity, or vice versa. The rudder
portion 76, being essentially free of magnets, is not magnetically
attracted, but remains implanted in tissue across the raphe on the
other side of the tongue. As a result, the structure 72 will pivot
about the rudder portion 76 toward the external magnetic structure
14. The additional surface area of the rudder portion 76 will draw
more tissue in the direction of the pivot, and will also serve as a
tissue anchor that lends overall stability to the structure 72. The
magnetic interaction opens one side of the pharyngeal airway,
sufficient to prevent the apneic episode.
[0245] FIG. 29B shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 25) due to the interactions between the rudder-type magnetic
structure 72 and an external magnetic structure 14 of the type
shown in FIG. 12F, which form another embodiment of a Tongue System
10a. Forces of magnetic attraction between the rudder-type
structure 72 and the structure 14 in FIG. 29B pull the magnetic
portion 76 of the rudder-type magnetic portion of the tongue
structure 72 toward the opposite side of the tongue with respect to
the location of the magnetic portion of the structure 72. This is
because the magnets 16 of the structure 72 have an S-polarity
facing toward the front (anterior) of the oral cavity, and the
magnets 18 of the structure 14 have an opposite N-polarity facing
inward toward the oral cavity, or vice versa. The rudder portion
76, being essentially free of magnets, is not magnetically
attracted, but remains implanted in tissue across the raphe on the
other side of the tongue. As a result, the structure 72 will pivot
about the rudder portion toward the external magnetic structure 14.
The additional surface area of the rudder portion 76 will draw more
tissue in the direction of the pivot, and will also serve as a
tissue anchor that lends overall stability to the structure 72. The
magnetic interaction opens one side of the pharyngeal airway,
sufficient to prevent the apneic episode.
[0246] FIG. 30 shows a new position of the tongue (compared to FIG.
28) due to the interactions between the rudder-type magnetic
structure 72 and an internal magnetic structure 14 placed in or on
the posterior pharyngeal wall across from the region of the tongue
where the rudder-type magnetic structure 72 is implanted. The
internal magnetic structure 14 carries one or more magnets 18
having a polarity facing the airway that is the same as the
rudder-type magnetic structure 72. The rudder-type magnetic
structure 72 magnetically interacts with the pharyngeal wall
structure 14 by repelling. Forces of magnetic repulsion between the
rudder-type structure 72 and the structure 14 in FIG. 30 push the
magnetic portion 74 of the tongue structure 72 anteriorly toward
the mouth. This is because the magnets 16 of the structure 72 have
an N-polarity facing the airway, and the magnets 18 of the
structure 14 have the same N-polarity facing the airway, or vice
versa. The rudder portion 76, being essentially free of magnets, is
not magnetically attracted, but remains implanted in tissue across
the raphe on the other side of the tongue. As a result, the
structure 72 will pivot about the rudder portion 76 away from the
internal magnetic structure 14. The additional surface area of the
rudder portion 76 will push more tissue in the direction of the
pivot, and will also serve as a tissue anchor that lends overall
stability to the structure 72. The magnetic interaction opens one
side of the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent the apneic
episode.
[0247] The rudder portion of a rudder-type magnetic structure 72
can be variously sized and configured. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 31A/B/C, the main body 78 of the structure 72 can include a
rudder portion 76 having a surface area that is increased by
providing an appendage (see FIGS. 31A and 31B) that projects
outward at a desired angle (e.g., 45.degree. to 90.degree.) from
the rudder portion 76. That is (see FIGS. 31A and 31B), given that
the main body 78 of the structure lies along a longitudinal axis
84, the axis 82 of the appendage 92 lies at an angle from the
longitudinal axis 84. The appendage 92 gives greater depth to the
overall implant in the direction of the magnetic field. Generally,
magnetic implants having greater depth apply more force to tissue,
because of increased surface area and mass. Thus, the appendage 92
serves to apply more force and stability to the implant.
Additionally, the appendage 92 may also carry embedded sources of
magnetism, in which case the appendage would also lower the
distance between magnetic structure 12 and an external magnetic
structure 14 with which it magnetically interacts.
[0248] As FIGS. 31C and 31D show, the location of magnetic implant
72, when implanted, is desirably centered with respect to the
raphe, with the longitudinal axis 84 of the main body extending
transversely of the raphe and the axis 82 of the rudder appendage
92 extending generally parallel to the raphe. As FIG. 31C shows,
the implant 72 is divided into two parts by the raphe of the
tongue. On one side 88 of the raphe, at least two magnets 16 are
carried by the structure 70. On the other side 86 of the raphe lies
the rudder portion 76 with appendage 92, which is desirably free or
essentially free of magnetic material. As FIG. 31D shows, the
portion 76 and its appendage 92 act as a rudder to help move more
tongue tissue as a result of magnetic attraction and/or repulsion
between the magnet-carrying side 88 of the implant and another
magnetic structure of a type previously described.
[0249] FIGS. 32A and 32B show an alternative embodiment of a
rudder-type magnetic structure 98 sized and configured for
placement in a tongue. In the embodiment, the rudder-type magnetic
structure 98 comprises a main body 100 having a longitudinal axis
104. The main body 100 comprises a first region 106 carrying a
first array of one or more magnets 16(1) and a second region 108
carrying a second array of one or more magnets 16(2). As FIGS. 32A
and 32B show, the polarity of the magnets in the first array 16(1)
is generally opposite to the polarity of the second array 16(2).
The main body 100 further comprises an intermediate rudder
appendage 112 between the first and second regions 106 and 108
having an axis 102 that projects at an angle from the longitudinal
axis 104. The rudder appendage 112 is desirably free or essentially
free of magnets. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIGS. 32A and
32B), the magnets of the first array 16(1) have a N-polarity facing
in the direction of the rudder appendage 112, and the magnets of
the second array 16(2) have a S-polarity facing the direction of
the rudder appendage 112.
[0250] FIG. 33 shows a cross-section of a collapsed pharyngeal
conduit, like FIG. 3 but shown from another perspective, sufficient
to cause an apneic episode. FIG. 33 also shows the rudder-type
structure 98 shown in FIGS. 32A/B implanted in the tongue. As can
be seen in FIG. 33, the main body 100 is implanted with its
longitudinal axis 104 extending generally transversely of the raphe
of the tongue, with the first region 106 located on one side of the
raphe and the second region 108 located on the opposite side of the
raphe. The rudder appendage 112 occupies the raphe between the
first and second regions, and the axis 102 of the rudder appendage
112 extends generally parallel to the raphe.
[0251] FIG. 34A shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 33) due to the interactions between the rudder-type structure
98 shown in FIGS. 32A/B and an external magnetic structure 14 of
the type shown in FIGS. 12C/E, which together form an embodiment of
a Tongue System 10a. The structure 14 carries magnets 18 having a
polarity facing the oral cavity that are opposite to the polarities
of the magnets of the second array 16(2) and the same as the
polarities of the magnets of the first array 16(1). In the
illustrated embodiment, the magnets 18 have a N-polarity facing the
oral cavity. As a result, forces of magnetic attraction are
generated between the structure 14 and the second array 16(2),
whereas forces of magnetic repulsion are generated between the
structure 14 and the first array 16(1). The attracting forces pull
the second portion 108 of the structure 98 anteriorly toward the
mouth, whereas the repelling forces push the first portion 106 of
the structure 98 posteriorly toward the pharyngeal wall. The rudder
appendage 112, being essentially free of magnets, is not
magnetically attracted or repelled, but remains implanted in tissue
in the region of the raphe between the two opposite sides of the
tongue. The rudder stabilizes the push and pull of the different
magnetic interactions. The magnetic interactions open one side of
the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent the apneic
episode.
[0252] FIG. 34B shows a new position of the tongue (compared to
FIG. 33) due to the interactions between the rudder-type structure
shown in FIGS. 32A/B and an external magnetic structure 14 of the
type shown in FIG. 12E, which form another embodiment of a Tongue
System. The structure 14 carries magnets 18 on only the side of the
tongue occupied by the first array 16(1). The magnets 18 have a
polarity facing the oral cavity that is the same as the polarities
of the magnets of the first array 16(1) and opposite to the
polarities of the magnets of the second array 16(2). The attracting
forces pull the second portion 108 of the structure 98 toward the
opposite side of the tongue, whereas the repelling forces push the
first portion 106 of the structure posteriorly toward the
pharyngeal wall. The rudder appendage 112, being essentially free
of magnets, is not magnetically attracted or repelled, but remains
implanted in tissue in the region of the raphe between the two
opposite sides of the tongue. As a result, the second portion 108
of the structure 98 will pivot toward the external magnetic
structure 14, as the first portion 106 of the structure 98 pivots
away from the external magnetic structure 14. The rudder appendage
112 stabilizes the push-and-pull of the different magnetic
interactions, and will draw more tissue in the direction of the
pivot. The magnetic interactions open one side of the pharyngeal
airway, sufficient to prevent the apneic episode.
[0253] FIG. 35 shows a new position of the tongue (compared to FIG.
33) due to the interactions between the rudder-type structure shown
in FIGS. 32A/B and an internal magnetic structure 14 placed in or
on the posterior pharyngeal wall across from the region of the
tongue where the first array of the structure is implanted. The
internal magnetic structure 14 carries one or more magnets 18
having a polarity facing the airway that is the same as the magnets
in the second array 16(2) and that is opposite to the magnets in
the first array 16(1). As a result, forces of magnetic repulsion
are generated between the structure 14 and the second array 16(2),
whereas forces of magnetic attraction are generated between the
structure 14 and the first array 16(1). The repelling forces push
the second portion 108 of the structure 98 toward the oral cavity,
whereas the attracting forces pull the first portion 106 of the
structure posteriorly toward the pharyngeal wall. The rudder
appendage 112, being essentially free of magnets, is not
magnetically attracted or repelled, but remains implanted in tissue
in the region of the raphe between the two opposite sides of the
tongue. As a result, the second portion 108 of the structure 98
will pivot away from the internal magnetic structure 14, as the
first portion 106 of the structure 98 pivots toward the internal
magnetic structure 14. The rudder appendage 112 stabilizes the
push-and-pull of the different magnetic interactions, and will draw
tissue in the direction of the pivot. The magnetic interactions
open one side of the pharyngeal airway, sufficient to prevent the
apneic episode.
[0254] D. Ferromagnet With an Elastic Component
[0255] In an alternative embodiment, an implantable ferromagnetic
structure 136 used in the tongue, soft palate, or pharyngeal wall
can comprise ferromagnetic material 138 coupled to one or more
elastic components 140, as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B. The elastic
component coupled to the ferromagnetic material 138 is sized and
configured to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to
recover an initial shape when unloaded. As shown in FIGS. 41A and
41B the elastic component 140 comprises a spring.
[0256] The spring form of the elastic component 140 may vary. It
may, e.g., comprise a helical tension or compression spring, in
which wire is wrapped in a coil that resembles a screw thread, as
shown in FIG. 41A. Alternatively, the elastic component 140 may
comprise a leaf spring, comprising plate elements secured. Still
alternatively, the elastic component 140 may comprise a spiral
spring made from flat strip or wire coiled about the ferromagnetic
material 138. Still alternatively, the elastic component 140 may
comprise a torsion-bar spring.
[0257] The ferromagnetic material 138 desirably comprises one or
more permanent magnets. The shape of the ferromagnetic material 138
need not be cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 41A. Other sizes, shapes,
and configurations can be used, including cubes, pyramids,
tetrahedrons, and various polyhedrons.
[0258] As shown in FIG. 41A, the elastic component 140 may be made
out of metal or a polymer, desirably a rigid polymeric material.
The elastic component 140 may consist of a single piece or comprise
a construct of multiple elastic components. In spring form, the
shape of the elastic component 140 need not be helical (as shown in
FIG. 41A), but other constructions capable of deflecting under load
can be used. The set up of a spring-form elastic component 140
could resemble a trampoline with multiple springs or elastic
components attached peripherally about the ferromagnetic material
138. The spring-form elastic component 140 can also be tuned to any
amount of force needed by modifying the pitch, the number of turns,
the thickness and the overall angle in the spring's "cone."
[0259] As shown in FIG. 41B, the configuration of the spring-form
elastic component 140 makes possible its use as an anchor; capable
of attaching the ferromagnetic material 138 into soft tissue, by
twisting. The presence of the spring-form elastic component 140 can
thus eliminate the need to use sutures for attachment of the
structure 136 to soft tissue. The spring-form elastic component 140
can also be secured (e.g., like a bone screw) to a bone structure,
and, in this arrangement, also serve as a tethering device for the
ferromagnetic structure 138. In whatever form, the elastic
component 140 may be embedded or coated in a silicon matrix or soft
material, as may be the ferromagnetic material 138. The presence of
the elastic component on the ferromagnetic structure 136 can help
stabilize torque in a system that incorporates ferromagnetic
implants. Stabilizing the torque can bring about more
predictability in the ferromagnetic implants.
[0260] E. Alternative Embodiments to the Tongue, Soft Palate and
Combined Systems
[0261] In certain cases, the above-described Tongue, Soft Palate,
and Combined Systems may not provide enough attractive magnetic
force to maintain a patent airway. Under these circumstances, the
respective System desirably includes at least one additional
structure that interactions to provide a magnetic force that
complements the attractive magnetic force to maintain a patent
airway.
[0262] 1. Complementary Tongue System
[0263] FIGS. 4E and 4F show alternative embodiments of the Tongue
System that provide a complementary magnetic force to further
resist the collapse of the tongue. In the representative embodiment
shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the magnetic structure 12 is positioned
in or on the tongue, as previously described. More specifically,
magnetic structure 12 can be positioned either in the anterior or
in the posterior region of the tongue. In FIG. 4E, the magnetic
structure 14 (as previously described), which the magnetic
structure 12 interacts with by attraction, is positioned outside
the airway (e.g., on the chin), whereas in FIG. 4D, the magnetic
structure 14 is positioned within the airway (e.g., in the oral
cavity).
[0264] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, to provide a
complementary magnetic force for further resisting the collapse of
the tongue, the Tongue System includes a magnetic structure 15
positioned in or on the posterior pharyngeal wall, generally
opposite of magnetic structure 12 in or on the tongue. The magnetic
structure 15 carries at least one magnetic material 19 that, by
magnetic interactions with the structure 12, generates a magnetic
force that includes at least one vector or component that
magnetically repels the structure 12 in or on the mobile tissue of
the tongue away from the structure 15 in or on the relatively less
mobile tissue of the pharyngeal wall. In the illustrated
embodiment, the magnetic material 19 of the structure 15 has a
polarity the same as the polarity of the magnetic structure 12 that
it faces across the airway. The magnetic structure 15 thereby
interacts with the magnetic structure 12 across the airway by
repulsion. The repelling magnetic interaction between the magnetic
structure 15 and the magnetic structure 12 in the posterior airway
serves to stabilize the tongue and resist collapse of the tongue
against the pharyngeal wall during sleep. The repelling magnetic
interaction between structures 12 and 15 in the posterior airway
complements the attracting magnetic interaction between the
structures 12 and 14 in the anterior airway, which likewise serves
to resist posterior or other movement of the tongue toward the
posterior pharyngeal wall. The complementary magnetic forces
prevent, in whole or in part, the occurrence of the
airway-occluding tissue condition shown in FIG. 3. The magnetic
force between the first and second ferromagnetic structures 12 and
14, coupled with the magnetic force between ferromagnetic
structures 12 and 15, work together to keep the airway open (i.e.,
patent) during sleep.
[0265] 2. Complementary Soft Palate System
[0266] FIGS. 5C and 5D show alternative embodiments of the Soft
Palate System that provide a complementary magnetic force to
further resist the collapse of the soft palate/uvula. In the
representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the magnetic
structure 12 is positioned in or on the soft palate/uvula, as
previously described. In FIG. 5C, the magnetic structure 14 (as
also previously described), which the magnetic structure 12
interacts with by attraction, is positioned outside the airway
(e.g., on the chin), whereas in FIG. 5D, the magnetic structure 14
is positioned within the airway (e.g., in the oral cavity).
[0267] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, to provide a
complementary magnetic force for further resisting the collapse of
the soft palate/uvula, the Soft Palate System includes a magnetic
structure 15 is positioned in or on the posterior pharyngeal wall,
generally opposite of magnetic structure 12 in the soft
palate/uvula. The magnetic structure 15 carries at least one
magnetic material 19 that, by magnetic interactions with the
structure 12, generates a magnetic force that includes at least one
vector or component that magnetically repels the structure 12 in or
on the mobile tissue of the soft palate/uvula away from the
structure 15 in or on the relatively less mobile tissue of the
pharyngeal wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic
material 19 of the structure 15 has a polarity the same as the
polarity of the magnetic structure 12 it faces across the airway.
The magnetic structure 15 thereby interacts with the magnetic
structure 12 across the airway by repulsion. The repelling magnetic
interaction between the magnetic structure 15 in or on the
pharyngeal wall and the magnetic structure 12 in or on the soft
palate/uvula serves to stabilize the soft palate/uvula and resist
collapse of the soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall
during sleep. The repelling magnetic interaction between structures
12 and 15 in the posterior airway complements the attracting
magnetic interaction between the structures 12 and 14 in the
anterior airway, which likewise serves to resist posterior or other
movement of the soft palate/uvula toward the posterior pharyngeal
wall. The complementary magnetic forces prevent, in whole or in
part, the occurrence of the airway-occluding tissue condition shown
in FIG. 3. The magnetic force between the first and second
ferromagnetic structures 12 and 14, coupled with the magnetic force
between ferromagnetic structures 12a/12b and 15a/15b, work together
to keep the airway open (i.e., patent) during sleep.
[0268] 3. Complementary Combined System
[0269] FIGS. 6C and 6D show alternative embodiments of the Combined
System that provide a complementary magnetic force to further
resist the collapse of the tongue and soft palate/uvula. In the
representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the magnetic
structure 12b is positioned in or on the tongue, while magnetic
structure 12a is positioned in or on the soft palate/uvula, as
previously described. More specifically, magnetic structure 12b can
be positioned either in the anterior or in the posterior region of
the tongue. In FIG. 6C, the magnetic structure 14 (also as
previously described), which the magnetic structure 12a and 12b
interacts with by attraction, is positioned outside the airway
(e.g., on the chin), whereas in FIG. 6D, the magnetic structure 14
is positioned within the airway (e.g., in the oral cavity).
[0270] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, to provide a
complementary magnetic force for further resisting the collapse of
the tongue and the soft palate/uvula, the Combined System includes
a magnetic structure 15a and a magnetic structure 15b. The magnetic
structure 15a is positioned in or on the posterior pharyngeal wall,
generally opposite of magnetic structure 12a in or on the soft
palate/uvula. The magnetic structure 15b is positioned in or on the
posterior pharyngeal wall generally opposite to the magnetic
structure 12b in or on the tongue. Each structure 15a and 15b
carries at least one magnetic material 19 that, by magnetic
interactions with the associated structure, respectively 12a and
12b, generates a magnetic force that includes at least one vector
or component that magnetically repels the respective structure 12a
and 12b in or on the mobile tissue of the soft palate/uvula or
tongue away from the structure 15 in or on the relatively less
mobile tissue of the pharyngeal wall. In the illustrated
embodiment, the magnetic material 19 of the structure 15 has a
polarity the same as the polarity of the magnetic structure,
respectively 12a and 12b, it faces across the airway. The magnetic
structures 15a and 15b thereby interact with the magnetic
structures, respectively 12a and 12b across the airway by
repulsion. The repelling magnetic interaction between the magnetic
structure 15a in or on the pharyngeal wall and the magnetic
structure 12a in or on the soft palate/uvula serves to stabilize
the soft palate/uvula and resist collapse of the soft palate/uvula
against the pharyngeal wall during sleep. Likewise, the repelling
magnetic interaction between the magnetic structure 15b in or on
the pharyngeal wall and the magnetic structure 12b in or on the
tongue serves to stabilize the tongue and resist collapse of the
tongue against the pharyngeal wall during sleep. The repelling
magnetic interactions between structures 12a/12b and 15a/15b in the
posterior airway complements the attracting magnetic interaction
between the structures 12a/12b and 14 in the anterior airway, which
likewise serves to resist posterior or other movements of either
the soft palate/uvula and/or the tongue against the posterior
pharyngeal wall. The complementary magnetic forces prevent, in
whole or in part, the occurrence of the airway-occluding tissue
condition shown in FIG. 3. The magnetic force between the first and
second ferromagnetic structures 12 and 14, coupled with the
magnetic force between ferromagnetic structures 12a/12b and
15a/15b, work together to keep the airway open (i.e., patent)
during sleep.
V. FORCES REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A PATENT AIRWAY
[0271] As FIGS. 36 and 37 show in a diagrammatic way, for a given
individual, that a magnitude can be assigned to a force required to
maintain separation between tongue tissue (FIG. 36) or soft
palate/uvula tissue (FIG. 37) from the posterior pharyngeal wall,
to thereby resist the collapse of an airway during an apneic
episode. This force, designated F-sep in FIGS. 36 and 37 can be
obtained by physical measurement of a given individual, or it can
based upon measurements taken during a cadaver study, or it can be
selected empirically based upon general anatomic considerations for
a population of individuals, or a combination of these and other
considerations.
[0272] For a given individual, a magnitude can also be assigned to
a counterbalancing force (designated F-nat in FIGS. 36 and 37),
which represents the force exerted by natural muscular activity
upon the tongue (FIG. 36) or the soft palate/uvula (FIG. 37), to
enable swallowing, chewing, or speech during normal airway
function. The force F-nat can be also obtained by physical
measurement of a given individual, or it can be selected
empirically based upon general anatomic considerations for a
population of individuals, or a combination of these and other
considerations.
[0273] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the magnetic force (F-mag) that
a given system 10 develops can be expressed as a function of F-sep
and F-nat, or F-mag=f (F-sep, F-nat). The magnetic force can
comprise an attracting force (i.e., a force in essentially an
anterior-posterior direction between the tongue or soft
palate/uvula and the attracting magnetic structure worn on the chin
or neck or on teeth within the oral cavity), a repelling force
(i.e., a force in essentially an anterior-posterior direction
between repelling magnetic structures in the tongue and posterior
pharyngeal wall), and/or a torquing force (i.e., a force or moment
of a force that tends to rotate the tongue or soft palate/uvula
about an axis), and/or decentering force (i.e., a force in
essentially a lateral or side-to-side direction that tends to
offset the tongue or soft palate/uvula left or right), or a
combination of two or more of these forces. The magnetic force
F-mag maintains a separation between the tongue and the posterior
pharyngeal wall (FIG. 36), or between the uvula and the posterior
pharyngeal wall (FIG. 37), or combinations thereof, depending upon
the desired therapeutic effect.
[0274] The function desirably incorporates the premise that
F-sep.ltoreq.F-nat, such that F-nat can overcome F-sep to preserve
normal airway function. In effect, F-nat is the upper limit for the
amount of force used which, to achieve an effective OSA therapy,
which F-sep should not exceed. The function also desirably
incorporates the premise that F-mag.gtoreq.F-sep, so that the
desired separation between the tongue and the posterior pharyngeal
wall is maintained. In the case of systems activated only during
the night, F-nat will necessarily be larger in magnitude because
the only activities that need to be able to continue during sleep
are swallowing and coughing, which require more force than
speaking.
[0275] The function resolves F-sep and F-nat to provide an optimal
therapeutic force that, at night, resists collapse of the tongue or
soft palate/uvula against the pharyngeal wall during sleep, yet
does not affect speech, swallowing or drinking during normal
activities when the system is activated.
[0276] The function also desirably includes a tolerance factor
.DELTA.Tol, which takes into account that F-nat can increase with
time after implantation, as an individual develops tolerance to
F-mag. F-nat can thereby increase with time after implantation, as
the individual trains himself or herself to exert more force during
swallowing or speech in the presence of F-mag to maintain normal
airway function. The nature of the tolerance factor .DELTA.Tol can
be ascertained by physical measurement of a given individual, or it
can be selected empirically based upon general anatomic
considerations for a population of individuals, or a combination of
these and other considerations.
[0277] Further, in arriving at the absolute magnitude of F-sep for
the tongue (whether relative to the pharyngeal wall, or uvula, or
both), it has been discovered that F-sep for the tongue can have
two components. The first component is the desired therapeutic
force F(z) that is developed in an anterior-to-posterior direction,
which prevents the tongue from falling back upon the posterior
pharyngeal wall or uvula. The second component is an undesired
decentralizing side loading force F(y) that can be exerted due to
magnetic force discontinuities at the edges of the tongue implant.
It has been observed that, as the edges of a magnetic tongue
implant start to misalign with the other magnetic structure (on the
chin or neck or on the teeth or in the uvula), the magnets at the
edges of the tongue implant may start to twist in an attempt to
orient themselves to a more desired attracting arrangement. This
can cause the tongue implant to twist or flip. The decentralizing
side loading force F(y) is an outcome of these edge
discontinuities, which moves the tongue laterally, i.e., to the
side (the soft palate/uvula, being anatomically anchored on three
of four sides, is significantly more resistant to a side loading
force than the tongue, which is anchored essentially only on the
posterior side).
[0278] A desired therapeutic force magnitude F(z) can, if the edge
discontinuities are not moderated, undesirably move the tongue
laterally. The magnitude of the edge discontinuities, i.e., the
magnitude of F(y), can be titrated and controlled by the design of
the other magnetic structure, e.g., by directing the magnetic
fields of the posterior and middle regions of the structure at an
angle relative to the direction of the magnetic fields of the
anterior region, as shown in FIGS. 16A/B. Further, by stabilizing
the tongue implant in the manners previously described, e.g., by
the presence of a rudder as shown in FIGS. 28 to 35 or by the use
of mobile magnets as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the destabilizing
effects of F(y) can be also counteracted.
[0279] An implant force scaling strategy like that shown in FIG. 38
can be based upon an appreciation of these considerations. In FIG.
38, the magnitude of a force applied in an anterior-posterior
direction upon the tongue necessary to achieve the desired
therapeutic effect (i.e., F-sep) is indicated at A. As indicated
before, this is the force required to separate tongue tissue from
the posterior pharyngeal wall or uvula, or both, to thereby resist
the collapse of an airway during an apneic episode. The force F-sep
(also shown in FIG. 36), can be obtained by physical measurement or
selected empirically based upon general anatomic considerations for
a population of individuals, or a combination of these and other
considerations.
[0280] In FIG. 38, the magnitude of the resistance (F-res) of a
given tongue decentered medially in response to an external side
load is indicated at B. The specific magnitude of F-res can be
obtained by physical measurement of a given individual, or it can
be based upon cadaver studies, or it can be selected empirically
based upon general anatomic considerations for a population of
individuals, or a combination of these and other considerations. In
FIG. 38, the magnitude of F-res (B) is expressed as a percentage of
F-sep (A). That is, on the y-axis, F-sep (A) is expressed as 100%
and F-res (B) is expressed as 60%. The particular relationship
between F-sep and F-res can vary based upon anatomic
considerations.
[0281] In FIG. 38, the magnitude of the anterior-to-posterior force
F(z) generated by a given attracting magnetic structure (on the
chin or neck or on the teeth or in the uvula, or combinations
thereof) is indicated by C. As FIG. 38 shows by the slope of C,
this magnitude of F(z) will vary as a function of distance between
the attracting magnetic structure and the tongue implant, as well
as a function of the particular structural characteristics and
stabilization of the tongue implant itself.
[0282] In FIG. 38, the magnitude of the side load force F(y)
generated by the given pharyngeal wall implant is indicated by D.
The slope and magnitude of D will vary based upon the design of the
pharyngeal wall implant or the uvula implant, particularly with
respect to the moderation of edge discontinuities, as previously
described. The slope and magnitude of D will also depend upon the
particular structural characteristics and stabilization of the
tongue implant itself.
[0283] For a given magnetic force system affecting the tongue, the
magnitude of F(z) with respect to the magnitude of F(y) represents
an Implant Scaling Factor (F-scale). F-scale can be expressed as a
ratio of F(z) to F(y); that is F-scale=F(z)/F(y). The magnitude of
F-scale for a given magnetic force system affecting the tongue
indicates that the system is likely to achieve the desired
therapeutic effect without decentering the tongue.
[0284] It has been discovered that, for a given magnetic force
system affecting the tongue, an F-scale 1 is desirable. For a given
magnetic force system affecting the tongue, an F-scale<1
indicates that decentering of the tongue will occur, which offsets
the desired therapeutic effect. An F-scale<1 indicates that the
edge discontinuities of the attracting magnetic structure (on the
chin or neck or on the teeth) should be reduced or moderated and/or
means for stabilizing the tongue implant are warranted.
[0285] FIG. 38 also lends itself to an implant force scaling
strategy. The intersections of C and D with A and B define an
optimal operating region E for a magnetic force system affecting
the tongue. In region E, F(z) is at or above the magnitude that
achieves the desired therapeutic effect but where F(y) is not at
the magnitude at which side loading (i.e., decentering of the
tongue) will occur.
[0286] Experimentally, it has been determined that the force F-mag
likely required to keep an airway open on a cadaver using a
magnetic force system that affects the tongue is no more than 1000
g. It is believed that magnetic tongue implant systems require a
force of about to about 750 g to maintain a patent airway. More
specifically, a force in the range of about 5 to about 600 g is
believed to provide the desired therapeutic benefits in combination
with control of edge discontinuities in the other magnetic
structure on chin or neck or on the teeth and stabilization of the
tongue implant itself.
[0287] It is also believed that F-mag for a magnetic force system
that affects the palate should also be no more than 1000 g. More
specifically, for a magnetic force system that affects the palate,
it is believed that a force F-mag of about 3 to about 800 g will
provide therapeutic benefits without adversely affecting normal
functioning of the airway.
VI. CONCLUSION
[0288] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the
invention, which may be embodied in other specific structure. While
the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be
changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by
the claims.
[0289] The above-described embodiments of this invention are merely
descriptive of its principles and are not to be limited. The scope
of this invention instead shall be determined from the scope of the
following claims, including their equivalents.
* * * * *