| abstract |
Systems (10a, 10b, 10c) 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 (12), that can be place either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure (12), includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure (14), that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure (12). The second structure (14), includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue. |