IMPROVED METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION, SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING

摘要

This invention is methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction,sleep apnea and snoring, by tongue suspension for treatment of airwayobstruction in a human subject, including the steps of inserting a bone anchor(20) into the mandible (72) of the subject, and fastening at least one suture(32) to the bone anchor (20) to suspend the tongue to the mandible (72).Preferably, the bone anchors used are surgical screws (20). The sutures (32)are fastened to at least one surgical screw (20), and are preferably insertedin positions adjacent to the mandible's midline. Alternatively, suspension ofthe hyoid bone is accomplished.