Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea is described herein. The method includes the step of providing a tethering device having an elastic filament having a distal end and a proximal end and a flexible memory head mounted to the distal end of the elastic filament. The method further includes the steps of advancing the tethering device through the tongue of a patient so that the flexible memory head of the tethering device is disposed against the back of the tongue and the elastic filament of the tethering device extends through the tongue and securing the proximal end of the elastic filament to the mandible of the patient under tension, whereby to restrain rearward movement of the tongue while the patient is sleeping.

Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the method comprising: providing a tethering device comprising: an elastic filament having a distal end and a proximal end; and a flexible memory head mounted to the distal end of the elastic filament; advancing the tethering device through the tongue of a patient so that the flexible memory head of the tethering device is disposed against the back of the tongue and the elastic filament of the tethering device extends through the tongue; and securing the proximal end of the elastic filament to the mandible of the patient under tension, whereby to restrain rearward movement of the tongue while the patient is sleeping.