An implantable device for aiding in generating connective tissue between a pair of anatomical structures in a mammalian body is provided. The device includes an elongate, flexible tether which can be secured between the anatomical structures and which carries a scaffold which is generally porous so as to be capable of promoting tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition along its length. The scaffold extends along the tether for a sufficient distance so that it is securable in at least close proximity to an anatomical structure at either end. The pores in the scaffold extend through the scaffold and each has a diameter in the range of about 10 m to about 200 m. The length of the tether is selected to be a desirable maximum distance between the anatomical structures along a desired path when secured therebetween.

A tissue retractor including a head member, an anchor member, and a shaft extending between the head member and the anchor member. The shaft has an elastic portion and an adjustment portion. The elastic portion is made of a first material and the adjustment portion is made of a second different material. The adjustment portion has a first locking element and the anchor member has a second locking element. The first locking element and the second locking element are configured to adjust the length of the shaft that extends between the head member and the anchor member. Also, a tissue retractor including a head member having a window and an anchoring segment surrounding the perimeter of the window, an anchor member, and a shaft extending between the head member and the anchor member, the shaft having an elastic portion and an adjustment portion.

Suture passer systems 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, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element 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. The needle is configured to carry a suture. 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.

A connection tool (1301) for a tongue manipulation device system, the tool (1301) comprising: a connector configured to be coupled to a tongue advancer tether (801); a tension meter (1323) configured to be coupled to the connector; a tensioner (1321) configured to apply a tension or pulling force to the connector via the tension meter (1323), wherein the tension meter (1323) is further configured to indicate when a determined tension or pulling force is applied to the connector such that the tongue advancer tether (801) is kept taut.

An implantable device for aiding in generating connective tissue between a pair of anatomical structures in a mammalian body is provided. The device includes an elongate, flexible tether which can be secured between the anatomical structures and which carries a scaffold which is generally porous so as to be capable of promoting tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition along its length. The scaffold extends along the tether for a sufficient distance so that it is securable in at least close proximity to an anatomical structure at either end. The pores in the scaffold extend through the scaffold and each has a diameter in the range of about 10 m to about 200 m. The length of the tether is selected to be a desirable maximum distance between the anatomical structures along a desired path when secured therebetween.

Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

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.

Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.

Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.