Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.