Importance

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Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head or neck of a patient for treating obstructive sleep disorders. A method of the present invention involves positioning an electrosurgical probe with respect to a target tissue that affects the aperture of the upper airway of the patient. For example, the position of the tongue and the radix linguae affect the upper airway. The position of the tongue is controlled by the genioglossus muscle and tendon. The tendon of the genioglossus muscle may be irreversibly shrunk by positioning an electrosurgical probe in at least close proximity to the tendon, and applying a suitable high frequency voltage to the probe in a sub-ablation mode. Controlled heating of the tendon is effected by application of the high frequency voltage to the probe, wherein the voltage is insufficient to ablate the tissue of the tendon. The controlled heating of the tendon effects contraction of collagen fibers of the tendon, whereby the tongue is advanced and/or depressed, and the aperture of the upper airway is increased.

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First Claim