Abstract: An implant device for non-surgically repairing and augmenting internal nasal valve ligaments of a patient. The device is configured for tunneling a subcutaneously into the ligaments of the nasal valve and the surrounding soft tissues and periosteum of the adjacent bony structures, causing a tightening of the nasal valve ligaments and repositioning the nasal valve in adjustable fashion. The device comprises a barbed elongate implant that is introduced by tunneling subcutaneously into the nasal valve ligament allowing for structural re-positioning of the nasal valve cartilage structures and tightening of the ligaments, which is adjustable intra-operatively and allows for structural support of the nose and/or causes a change in the external shape of the nose.

Abstract: A method and device for non-surgically repairing and augmenting internal nasal valve ligaments of a patient. The method and device comprise tunneling a working device subcutaneously into the ligaments of the nasal valve and the surrounding soft tissues and periosteum of the adjacent bony structures, causing a tightening of the nasal valve ligaments and repositioning the nasal valve in adjustable fashion. A device comprising a barbed elongate implant is introduced by tunneling subcutaneously into the nasal valve ligament allowing for structural re-positioning of the nasal valve cartilage structures and tightening of the ligaments, which is adjustable intra-operatively and allows for structural support of the nose and/or causes a change in the external shape of the nose.

Abstract: A method and device for non-surgically repairing and augmenting internal nasal valve ligaments of a patient. The method and device comprise tunneling a working device subcutaneously into the ligaments of the nasal valve and the surrounding soft tissues and periosteum of the adjacent bony structures, causing a tightening of the nasal valve ligaments and repositioning the nasal valve in adjustable fashion. A device comprising a barbed elongate implant is introduced by tunneling subcutaneously into the nasal valve ligament allowing for structural re-positioning of the nasal valve cartilage structures and tightening of the ligaments, which is adjustable intra-operatively and allows for structural support of the nose and/or causes a change in the external shape of the nose.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A force-directional nasal surgery dilatation device for use in a medical procedure such as sinuplasty, correction of deviated septum, and expansion of sinus cavities and nasal passages. An inflatable balloon is affixed to the distal end of a shaft for supporting and guiding the balloon into position for a nasal surgery procedure involving a patient. The shaft includes an inflation passageway associated for introducing an inflation medium into the balloon. The device further includes a force distribution member affixed to the inflatable balloon that provides a relatively rigid surface for applying distributed force against a tissue in the patient's nasal cavity upon inflation of the balloon. The force distribution member can include a pair of generally planar articulated adjacent surfaces attached along a hinge line between the surfaces.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A force-directional nasal surgery dilatation device for use in a medical procedure such as sinuplasty, correction of deviated septum, and expansion of sinus cavities and nasal passages. An inflatable balloon is affixed to the distal end of a shaft for supporting and guiding the balloon into position for a nasal surgery procedure involving a patient. The shaft includes an inflation passageway associated for introducing an inflation medium into the balloon. The device further includes a force distribution member affixed to the inflatable balloon that provides a relatively rigid surface for applying distributed force against a tissue in the patient's nasal cavity upon inflation of the balloon. The force distribution member can include a pair of generally planar articulated adjacent surfaces attached along a hinge line between the surfaces.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A nasal cannula diffuses a gas stream to distribute the volume of the gas stream as it is delivered into a user's nostril. The nasal cannula can direct flow of gas, such as oxygen, away from the more sensitive nasal tissues. The nasal cannula can diffuse the gas flow out of a plurality of orifices formed in the nostril prongs of the nasal cannula device, rather than sending the entire volume of gas out of a single orifice, as is the case with conventional nasal cannula devices.