Abstract: An oral appliance is disclosed that provides electrical stimulation to a patient's tongue in a manner that prevents collapse of the tongue and/or soft palate during sleep. More specifically, the appliance may induce a reversible current or currents in a lateral direction across the tongue in a manner that shortens the patient's Palatoglossus muscle, which in turn pulls the patient's soft palate downward towards a base of the tongue and/or decreases a volume of the tongue.

Abstract: Methods and devices to prevent and/or treat breathing disorders (e.g., upper airway disorders) in mammals related to impaired airflow are described. Methods and devices apply force to soft tissue that avoids obstruction of airflow in the mammel's airway. Breathing disorders that are avoided by the methods and/or devices include apnea.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral interface mainly including a connecting channel, a collapsible chamber and a non-collapsible structure disposed inside the collapsible chamber. The connecting channel communicates between the collapsible chamber and a negative source. When a negative pressure environment is generated inside the collapsible chamber via being pumped by the negative pressure source, the non-collapsible structure supports the collapsible chamber so that there are fluid channels formed inside the collapsible chamber. The air inside a user's oral cavity can be pumped out via the fluid channels and the connecting channel. A negative pressure environment is hence formed inside the user's oral cavity.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment is provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing a distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.

Abstract: An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including a set of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth and has a set of bite pads integrated with a second set of plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the teeth. The appliance includes the upper and lower plastic trays and specially formed elastic bands of a plurality of lengths and strengths replaceably attached to the retention hooks on both sides of the trays to pull the mandible forward for treatment.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through vertically oriented, tooth facing ports on the base and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sleep apnea prevention includes a clamp that has an upper clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being is adapted to engage the patient's upper lip adjacent the nose and a lower clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being adapted to engage the patient's lower jaw behind the mandibular symphysis. A hinge connects the upper and lower segments at the hinge ends. The upper and lower segments apply force to the patient's face and jaw such that the lower jaw is moved upwardly and forwardly. Adjustable force can be applied by elastic members connected to the upper and loser segments. Alternatively, the hinge can be held in a desired position by a hand-adjustable nut and bolt. The distal end of the upper clamp segment can include portions that project laterally and upwardly in order to apply compressive force to a patient's face on either side of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A method and system to prevent sore throat infections in humans includes the administration of an active ingredient to a site on the mucus membranes of the throat of a human that inhibits adherence and promotes desorption of S. pyogenes to soft tissue surfaces, such as the pharyngeal and oral mucosa of a human. A mucoadhesive strip having a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth is preferably employed and that has one or more encapsulated agents selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic; lactic acid bacteria; S. pyogenes modified by a CRISPR-Cas system to reduce one or more virulence factors; and a breath mint solution.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may include a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and include a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may include a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and include a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to inductive power transfer (IPT) systems, and has particular relevance to control of IPT systems, and to operation of IPT system primary power supplier. There is provided a method for controlling an IPT system primary power supply having a switched resonant circuit; the method comprising: determining the value of a parameter of the system; determining an energy injection switching pattern having a duration dependent on the parameter value; controlling the resonant circuit according to the determined energy injection switching pattern.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a securing device configured to be removably affixed to the patient's jaw; and a biasing member which is insertable behind the soft palate and/or the base of the patient's tongue, thereby providing for the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway; wherein the securing device is connected to the biasing member to allow insertion and/or removal of the biasing member from the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: A bone anchor for a tongue manipulation device which has a tissue anchor for attachment to the tongue, the bone anchor, for example for attachment to the mandible and a tether line which fixes the tissue anchor to the bone anchor. The bone anchor has a spool arrangement with a indexing part and a spool part. In a first configuration the spool part is operable to spool the tether line without operation of the indexing part, and in a second configuration the spool part is operable to spool the tether line with operation of the indexing part. This means the spooling to take up slack in the tether line does not cause wear to the indexing springs, and it also means the user can feel when the slack has been taken up.

Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation device has a capacitor for storing electrical energy. A wire coil delivers a magnetic pulse when the capacitor is actuated to cause current flow through the wire coil. A charging circuit charges the capacitor and there is a sensor which includes an unactivated state and an activated state. A control circuit connected to the body sensor initiates the delivery of a magnetic pulse when current from the capacitor flows through the wire coil.

Abstract: The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna.

Abstract: A rectification and regulation circuit for a wireless power receiver includes a coil for magnetically coupling to a primary coil of a power transmitter, a full-wave rectifier circuit separate from the power transmitter and a control unit separate from the power transmitter. The full-wave rectifier has a first pair of controllable rectifiers including a first transistor connected to a first terminal of the coil and a second transistor connected to a second terminal of the coil. The control unit is operable to control switching of the transistors of the full-wave rectifier so that the full-wave rectifier (a) generates a rectified output for charging a battery of the wireless power receiver by rectifying current through the coil or voltage across the coil, and (b) regulates the rectified output.

Abstract: A device for reducing snoring includes a ventilation tube having an air passageway therein and a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the air passageway, wherein a diameter of the first end is greater than that of the second opening, and a holding member connected to the ventilation tube at an end having the first opening. Put the device of the present invention in mouth may hold a normal shape of the upper respiratory tract while the user is sleeping and ventilate the air without obstruction while the user is breathing, so the user would not snore in sleep to improve the quality of sleep.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously (i) treating a patient's malocclusion by repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement and (ii) treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (“OSA”) by forcing the mandible forward comprises a plurality of (e.g., 10-30) sets of individual appliances. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's upper and lower dental arches and to incrementally reposition the teeth and forcing the jaw forward, during sleep. The system of appliances is preferably configured at the outset of treatment so that the patient may progress through treatment without the need to have the treating professional perform each successive step in the procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for inhibiting mouth breathing and/or improving nasal breathing, e.g., for PAP users or users with other sleeping problems. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive device is provided that includes an elongate membrane comprising first and second ends and side edges extending between the first and second ends, a first surface comprising an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a low tack adhesive that is adherent to skin, yet is also easily removable without leaving significant residue. Optionally, the device may include one or more valves to provide one-way flow across the membrane, one or more weakened regions in the membrane, and/or one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the membrane from over a user's mouth.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Plural tongue gripping projections coupled to upper and lower supports grip and hold the tongue during sleep and minimize the risk of the tongue slipping back and blocking the throat. One or both of the upper and lower supports are biased together. A tongue depressor extends rearwardly and downwardly from a cross member portion of a jaw coupler. A soft palate engager extends rearwardly from the cross member. The tongue grasping device, tongue depressor and soft palate engager cooperatively resist closing of the user's pharyngeal airway. The tongue depressor and soft palate engager are desirably biased apart and supported by flexible supports to permit movement of the rear of the tongue to close the pharyngeal airway during swallowing.

Abstract: The invention is a pillow that positions the neck enabling the sleeper to keep his airways open and get a good night's rest without snoring. The invention is a rectangular block of foam with a center cavity for an individual's head. The pillow is contoured to allow the lordotic curve of the cervical spine to be maintained and ensures that the upper portion of the thoracic spine is properly supported. Over the neck a foam bridge is formed to hold the jaw firmly in place whether a person lays on his back or sides. The bridge keeps the mandible from opening during sleep prohibiting mouth-breathing and snoring. Both the pillow and the bridge are made of flexible foam that is flexible enough to allow the neck to pass through the opening in the bridge. The bridge is position to keep the mouth closed and the airway open ensuring no snoring.

Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device to alleviate sleep apnea comprises determining whether a user of the device is asleep by a microcontroller operatively connected to the device. Using a sensor operatively connected to the microcontroller, it is determined whether a breathing anomaly of the user is detected while the user is asleep. An electromagnet operatively connected to the device generates an electromagnetic field to widen an airway of the user in response to detecting the breathing anomaly while the user is asleep.

Abstract: A snoring prevention device is provided to be mounted in the mouth to prevent snoring during sleep, to reduce a volume of the device, and to improve a wearing feeling. The snoring prevention device includes an upper jaw mounting frame having an upper tooth insertion groove into which the upper teeth are inserted, and configured to be mounted on the upper jaw, a lower jaw mounting frame having a lower tooth insertion groove into which the lower teeth are inserted, and configured to be mounted on the lower jaw, and a lower jaw advance unit including a push rod provided at the upper jaw mounting frame at a portion of a center of the upper jaw corresponding to the front tooth side such that the lower jaw is advanced by pushing the lower jaw mounting frame forward when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are closed.

Abstract: A method of treating an airway disorder includes placing an implant in a patient's tongue, wherein the implant has first and second end portions that attach to tissue, and a tensioned medial portion between the first and second ends. The medial portion is configured to apply a pressure of less than a predetermined amount. Device systems associated with such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.

Abstract: An oral apparatus for mandibular jaw manipulation is provided. The apparatus having an upper tray configured to receive a plurality of maxillary teeth and a lower tray configured to receive a plurality of mandibular teeth. The upper tray may optionally have one or more upper anchor members configured as adjustable upper anchor members coupled to the upper tray. The lower tray may optionally have one or more lower anchor members configured as adjustable lower anchor members coupled to the lower tray. Each upper anchor member, which may be adjustable, may be configured to contact a lower anchor member, which may be adjustable, to adjust the positional relationship between the mandible and the maxilla of a mouth when a user wearing the oral apparatus closes their mouth to bring the upper and lower anchor members into contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of forming oral orthotic systems (100) to position and/or stabilize a mandible of a patient includes providing an upper dental member (20) adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member (30) adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures (40). Each of the posterior mounting structure is adapted to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Each of the posterior mounting structures includes an extending member (42) which includes a plurality of positions (44) at which one of a plurality of connectors (50) is attachable to the extending member. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different mechanisms via attachment of a component of the mechanism (120) to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.

Abstract: A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an adjustable mandibular advancement device with a unique combination of resilient hinging, dentition engagement and adjustability, to prevent or reduce Snoring and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The adjustability is described by means of two concepts of adjustability for the relative enlargement or diminution of the members of the device, incremental and successive advancement mechanisms, in either combination or separately. By use of thermoplastic materials the device can be used in the outmost variability of the human dentition.

Abstract: An intraoral orthosis including a first shell and a second shell. The shells are connected together by an adjustable connection device, the adjustable connection device including two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of the shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of the shells, the adjustment housings being molded integrally with the other shell, each adjustment housing being connected to the other shell by a foldable support structure.

Abstract: A retainer with a block extending downwards from an otherwise generally flat surface is disclosed. The block corresponds to a region of one or more of the cuspids or pre-molars. A side block or other device on the upper retainer also abuts a wing or other abutment device of a lower retainer, causing the lower jaw to be pushed forward relative to the upper jaw and resting position (regular organic closing position) of the upper and lower jaw together. Thus, the upper teeth are pushed forward and a space is created between the teeth behind the (lower) block preventing an apnea during sleep.

Abstract: A special night guard, named as “AGP night guard”, comprising a “special retention piece and AGP (Anterior Guidance Package), is provided. The “AGP night guard comprises of; 1) one AGP and 2) two special retention pieces having an anteriorly protruded shelf to receive the maxillary guidance component of the AGP and/or mandibular guidance component of the AGP. For severe Class II malocclusion patient an AGP night guard uses: 1) one AGP, 2) one special retention piece of the current application to receive mandibular guidance component of the AGP and 3) one regular retention piece to apply maxillary guidance component of the AGP. For severe Class III malocclusion patient, the AGP night guard uses; 1) one AGP, 2) one special retention piece of the current application to receive maxillary guidance component of the AGP and 3) one regular retention piece to apply mandibular guidance component of the AGP.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. An accelerometer is disposed to measure kinematic variables or movement.

Abstract: A mouth guard composed of a polymer consisting essentially of polycaprolactone exhibits a low softening point, enabling it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The material is provided in the form of a generally U-shaped, unformed sheet of material, enabling the material to be heated with hot water or microwave energy and custom-fitted to the dentition of a user. The mouth guard may be perforated and may include a no-stick layer and/or a flavoring agent. A plurality of mouth guards may be provided in different sizes for children and adults and different shapes for different sports. In the preferred embodiments the mouth guard has a periphery including a plurality of lobes and cusps to enhance fitting. A method of fabricating an improved mouth guard according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral device for improving the breathing of a user by means of protrusion of the lower jaw includes a first dental rail that covers at least some teeth of a lower row of teeth of the user; a second dental rail that covers at least some teeth of an upper row of teeth of the user; and at least one coupling element connecting the first and the second dental rail. The first dental rail comprises a front, labial connection point and the second dental rail has two rear, buccal connection points positioned substantially at its two posterior ends. The coupling element has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and an apex of the coupling element forms a joint with the front labial connection point on the first dental rail. The posterior ends of the coupling element form a joint with the rear connection points of the second dental rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered soft palate support and an implantation method for treating sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or snoring. The layered soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into a human body for a long term, and includes a hard palate connecting end and a support. The support is a layered structure formed by stacking two or more layers of supporting plates and capable of being inserted into a soft palate, and is removably or irremovably fixed to the hard palate connecting end. The hard palate connecting end has a connecting structure connected with a hard palate, and is fixed to the hard palate through the connecting structure. The support is implanted into a muscular layer of the soft palate, and is inserted into the soft palate by a length equal to ? to ? of its total length.

Abstract: A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to oral stenting. For example, oral stenting devices (e.g., adjustable oral stenting devices) and methods for using oral stenting devices for radiation therapy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for remodeling the tongue. One or more spaces or cavities are formed in the tongue using, for example, surgical or RF ablative techniques. The cavities can be closed or collapsed by inserting a tethered soft tissue anchor into the tongue and attaching the tethered portion of the soft tissue anchor to a bony structure such as the mandible or hyoid bone in order to exert a collapsing force on the one or more spaces or cavities. The insertion pathway of the tethered soft tissue anchor may pass adjacent to or even through one or more cavities. Also disclosed herein is a tongue remodeling system that includes means for creating a space in the tongue, and a tissue anchor configured to close the space. The tissue anchor may be tethered or expandable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a central region between first and second outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue, e.g., the anterior longitudinal ligament and/or vertebra to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through vertically oriented, tooth facing ports on the base and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection between the interface and mouth or teeth and prevents the interface from falling off. The oral interface also provides fixation between upper and lower lips (or tooth) and prevents opening of patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft palate in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth ad prevent air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere.

Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for palate or 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 palate or tongue, are also described.