Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that cuts, holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: A system, device and method for dilating an anatomical structure. Systems, devices and methods may comprise a therapeutic component configured to treat a paranasal sinus. Specific embodiments may use high frequency pressure waves and/or cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.

Abstract: Tissue anchoring and deployment systems are described herein. Generally, an anchor housing may define a receiving channel within or along its periphery. A securement member which is adjustably slidable relative to the receiving channel and further defining a suture receiving channel along a portion of the member may also be used such that the suture receiving channel is aligned with an opening defined along a first surface. The securement member and a compression surface along the receiving channel are spaced apart from one another and form a suture compression interface. Additionally, a length of suture may also be used where the suture has a first portion positioned along the suture compression interface and a second portion passed through the suture receiving channel and opening along the first surface. The compression interface has a height which is sized to be relatively smaller than a diameter of the first portion of suture.

Abstract: Tissue anchoring and deployment systems are described herein. Generally, an anchor housing may define a receiving channel within or along its periphery. A securement member which is adjustably slidable relative to the receiving channel and further defining a suture receiving channel along a portion of the member may also be used such that the suture receiving channel is aligned with an opening defined along a first surface. The securement member and a compression surface along the receiving channel are spaced apart from one another and form a suture compression interface. Additionally, a length of suture may also be used where the suture has a first portion positioned along the suture compression interface and a second portion passed through the suture receiving channel and opening along the first surface. The compression interface has a height which is sized to be relatively smaller than a diameter of the first portion of suture.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that cuts, holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: Wound closure devices and methods of their use are described herein. A deployment instrument may be used to deploy and position tissue anchors which may be locked or secured along lengths of suture in suturing and plicating soft tissues, particularly along tissue regions located in areas of the body where space is limited. Generally, the fastening device may comprise a housing having one or more adjustable tissue anchors aligned longitudinally, wherein each of the one or more adjustable tissue anchors defines a receiving channel along a periphery of the tissue anchors, a tether having a length which is positionable within the receiving channel of each of the tissue anchors, and a plunger translatable relative to the housing, where movement of the plunger urges the one or more tissue anchors to attach securely to the tether.

Abstract: Fastening devices are provided that are designed to effectively close tissue as well as instruments for applying the inventive fastening devices. The devices are useful for closing tissue such as mucosa in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, laryngeal surfaces, oronasopharynx, or other mucosal tissues. In particular, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), uvulopalatal flap (UPF) technique, and tonsillectomy can be assisted using the inventive system. Embodiments also provide methods of using the fastening devices and/or instruments, and kits including the fastening devices.

Abstract: Fastening devices are provided that are designed to effectively close tissue as well as instruments for applying the inventive fastening devices. The devices are useful for closing tissue such as mucosa in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, laryngeal surfaces, oronasopharynx, or other mucosal tissues. In particular, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), uvulopalatal flap (UPF) technique, and tonsillectomy can be assisted using the inventive system. Embodiments also provide methods of using the fastening devices and/or instruments, and kits including the fastening devices.