System and method for preventing closure of passageways

Abstract

A system for treating sleep-related breathing disorders. In one embodiment, the system includes a first magnetically susceptible material attached to a left lateral pharyngeal wall and a second magnetically susceptible material attached to a right lateral pharyngeal wall. The second magnetically susceptible material is positioned opposite the first magnetically susceptible material across an upper airway. The system further includes a first magnet disposed outside the body and lateral to the first magnetically susceptible material, and a second magnet disposed outside the body and lateral to the second magnetically susceptible material.

1 . A system for treating sleep-related breathing disorders, comprising: a first magnet attached to a left lateral pharyngeal wall; and a second magnet attached to a right lateral pharyngeal wall, wherein the second magnet is positioned opposite the first magnet across an upper airway, and wherein the first and second magnets are positioned below the velopharynx and above the epiglottis.  
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second magnets are implanted inside the lateral pharyngeal walls.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are attached to the left and right lateral pharyngeal walls by one of surgical sutures, a bonding material and coating.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second magnets are one of permanent and variable magnets.  
   
   
       5 . A method for treating sleep-related breathing disorders, comprising: attaching a first magnet to a left lateral pharyngeal wall; and attaching a second magnet to a right lateral pharyngeal wall opposite the first magnet across an upper airway.