Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and related kit are disclosed for treating an airway condition of a patient. The invention includes a handle sized to be hand grasped by an operator and having an actuator mechanism to be selectively actuated by said operator. A cartridge includes an implant of biocompatible material sized to be embedded within a tissue of said airway. The cartridge also includes a needle having an axially extending bore and a distal tip for penetrating into the airway tissue. The implant disposed within said bore at the distal tip. The cartridge has a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the handle for the implant to be ejected from the distal tip upon actuation of the actuator. The kit of the invention includes a container including a handle and cartridge.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and related kit are disclosed for treating an airway condition of a patient. A cartridge apparatus is disclosed for use in treating an airway condition of a patient and for use in combination with a handle sized to be hand-grasped by an operator and having an actuator mechanism to be selectively actuated by said operator. The cartridge includes a implant of biocompatible material sized to be embedded within a tissue of the airway. A needle has a distal tip for penetrating into the tissue. The needle has an axially extending bore. The implant is disposed within the bore at the distal tip. The cartridge has a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the handle for the implant to be ejected from the distal tip upon actuation of the actuator. The kit of the invention includes a container including a plurality of such cartridges.