Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilize its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilise its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilize its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

Abstract: An endovascular grafting device having a main body component and limb components. The device is contemplated to be assembled in-situ for the purpose of treating vascular defects or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secured bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: The present invention embodies delivery systems and methods of packing an initial endovascular graft components for delivery that achieve a smaller delivery profile and reduce redundancy. Delivery systems and methods for packing the initial endovascular graft components for delivery facilitate a reduced delivery profile while allowing reliable positioning of the components before deployment.

Abstract: A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.