摘要:
Suture passer systems (100, 700) for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft (102, 702), a needle (104, 704) having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element (108, 708) operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue (200). The needle is configured to carry a suture (105). The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.
摘要:
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue (9). An implant (3038) is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue (9) and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible (13) and/or hyoid bone (15). In general, the implant (3038) is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue (9). Methods and devices for engaging the tongue (9) are also disclosed. One embodiment of a tongue remodeling system includes an elongate implant (3038) configured to be positioned within a selected region of the tongue (9) and a tether (3041) configured to suspend the tongue (9). The tether (3041) can be configured to be looped around the elongate implant (3038) and connected to another structure.
摘要:
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue (9). An implant (500) is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue (9) and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible (13) and/or hyoid bone (15). In general, the implant (500) is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue (410) in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue (9). Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate (4) and pharyngeal airway.
摘要:
This disclosure provides tongue retractors for oral medical procedures such as frenotomies. The retractors include first and second planar members extending from a vertex, wherein the first and second members extend from the vertex at a predetermined angle so as to provide upward retraction of the tongue of a subject when the retractor is placed in the subject's mouth; and an opening within at least one of the members. The opening is arranged to expose the frenulum of the subject and to permit an operator to surgically operate on the frenulum while the retractor is placed in the subject's mouth. The disclosure also provides uses of the retractors in procedures to cut a frenelum, e.g., to treat ankyloglossia.
摘要:
A glossoplasty implant tension relief system for treating an airway of a patient has a first portion configured to engage a mandible of the subject. The system also has a second portion configured to engage a tongue of the subject to retain at least a portion of the tongue. The system includes a connecting portion configured to connect the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion is constructed and arranged to provide tension between the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion includes an i) inelastic portion and ii) an elastic portion configured to provide elasticity between the first portion and the second portion.
摘要:
Devices, kits, and methods useful in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are described. Example devices include a jig, a first needle, a second needle, and a third needle. An example jig comprises a drill guide and a tongue depressor. A first needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a bend and a curve. A second needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a curve. A third needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a curve.
摘要:
This invention is methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring, by tongue suspension for treatment of airway obstruction 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 inserted in positions adjacent to the mandible's midline. Alternatively, suspension of the hyoid bone is accomplished.