Abstract: An oral securement appliance is described having a support frame defining a first receiving channel, a distal end of the support frame defining a first opening therethrough, and a valve positioned within or through the first opening. An outer layer may be positioned within the first receiving channel and define a second receiving channel, a distal end of the outer layer defining a second opening in fluid communication with the valve. The device further includes a shell assembly and a cuff member positioned within the second receiving channel and defines a third receiving channel configured for receiving a tongue of the subject. At least an anterior portion of the subject's tongue is inserted within the third receiving channel of the cuff member and a negative pressure drawn within the third receiving channel via the valve such that the cuff member is secured around a periphery of the tongue.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating tissue via laser energy to induce tissue reduction and/or necrosis are described herein. Laser energy may be applied to a tissue region via an optical fiber advanced through a lumen of at least one needle. Fluid may also be infused or injected into the tissue region through at least one needle. Tissue reduction and/or necrosis of a target tissue region in turn reduces the appearance of droopy, baggy and/or wrinkled skin.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon tor temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

Abstract: Airflow restriction systems are described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured externally over the patient's nose rather than within the nasal passages to increase patient comfort. The restriction device may be secured, e.g., via an adhesive, to the patient and actuated via any number of mechanical or electromechanical mechanisms. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity Such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation and squeeze or otherwise constrict the nasal passages at least partially by pressing against the exterior surface of the nose to restrict the expiratory airflow.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating tissue via laser energy to induce tissue reduction and/or necrosis are described herein. Laser energy may be applied to a tissue region via an optical fiber advanced through a lumen of at least one needle. Fluid may also be infused or injected into the tissue region through at least one needle. Tissue reduction and/or necrosis of a target tissue region in turn reduces the appearance of droopy, baggy and/or wrinkled skin.

Abstract: Eustachian tube treatment systems are described herein. One method for reducing or removing any obstructions within the Eustachian tube is to apply laser energy to the underlying tissue. One instrument may be used to deliver laser energy and to optionally provide an infusion or injection of a fluid directly into the tissue as well as optionally provide for ultrasound energy application as well. One or more optical fibers which may extend through needles inserted into the tissue may be utilized to deliver the laser energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating variable stiffness along a soft tissue region is disclosed herein generally having an implantable device of bio-absorbable or biodegradable material. The implantable device has a drug of variable concentration along the length of the device to promote formation of an abscess and/or induce tissue necrosis following placement of the device in soft tissue. The abscess and/or tissue necrosis forms scar tissue having a variable stiffness along the soft tissue which in turn reduces the vibration of the soft tissue.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.