Abstract: An electronic respiratory mask capable of filtering air that passes through is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a face mask includes a body having an inner volume that surrounds the user's mouth when the body is placed over the user's mouth, a first electrode located on the body, the first electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and an outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, and a second electrode located on the body, the second electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, wherein the first and second electrode create an electric field gradient that is capable of suspending microbes as air passes between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment.

Abstract: There is provided a device for eustachian tube treatments having a handle section with proximal and distal ends where the handle section has a dilator control with at least first and second positions. The dilator control is connected to a plate internal to the handle section, which is connected to an internal shaft. An insertion tube is connected to the plate and extends from the distal end of the handle section. A protective sleeve is inside of the insertion tube and connected to the plate. A dilator is connected at a first end to the plate and collapsed within the protective sleeve, with the dilator expanding when moved to a position external to the distal end of the insertion tube and the protective sleeve is withdrawn back into the insertion tube. The dilator maintains the eustachian tube open for delivery of laser energy or therapeutics to a desired treatment area.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the branches of the posterior nasal nerve. The diode laser delivery device with elongated fiber optic with its fiber tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment of both branches of the posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-70° C. with the process. A control knob on the laser delivery device moves from a first to a second position to move a camera attached to the laser delivery device. The fiber optic includes a distal fiber tip extending from a malleable sheath connected to the body for delivering light energy to a treatment area.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 380-450 nanometers with blue lasers.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: There is provided an LMA mask integrated for robotic surgery with ventilation or anesthesia tubes and for receiving the robot head with medical instruments through the mask. The inflatable cuff of the mask surrounds the robot head and ventilation so that the items necessary for surgical procedures are contained within a compact defined area. Increased maneuverability and visibility for the medical professional. Integration of the mask with processes for ventilation or anesthesia by accessories is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of biofilm reduction from the tongue which includes the steps of applying water to a selected area of biofilm and applying an Er, CR:YSGG solid state laser to the selected biofilm area from a hand held device. The method includes generating cavitation to the selected area of biofilm by the application of water and the application of the Er, CR:YSGG solid state laser to result in biofilm disruption without tissue injury. The biofilm disruption produces a reduction of the biofilm over a period of time, with a reduction in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A comparison of digital image analyses of tongue coatings over a period of time can determine the reduction in biofilm.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 940 nanometers.

Abstract: There is presented a removable high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer and supporting system that allows for HIFU transducer assemblies and other therapeutic ultrasound assemblies to be attached to third party positioning, imaging, or guidance systems while maintaining the required focal-zone positioning ability and the required acoustic energy coupling to tissue, to mechanically or automatically ablate a target volume in unimpeded fashion. There is provided an acoustically transparent and pliable vessel that has an open top end and filled with acoustic coupling fluid, capable of holding the transducer assembly and distal end of the positioning system within it as it executes the HIFU treatment plan/process. The vessel is held in place using a transducer/positioning system and independent external fixturing mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a mask for use in endoscopic procedures that includes a unitary concave and bowl-shaped body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface with the body having a first opening for receiving an instrument, where the first opening in the body is defined by an edge, and the outer surface radially extends from the edge with a unitary curved wall having a peak and extending from the peak to a rim. The rim defines a second opening that is wider than the first opening and having a diameter of sufficient width to cover a patient's nose and open mouth. The mask has at least one filter positioned on the body portion to permit air to pass through the body portion, and a seal is positioned around or over the first opening to secure the instrument hermetically when received through the first opening. The filter is of a size to prevent known viruses and microbials, including coronavirus, from transmitting into the air external to the mask.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 380-450 nanometers with blue lasers.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 940 nanometers.

Abstract: There is provided a method of biofilm reduction from the tongue which includes the steps of applying water to a selected area of biofilm and applying an Er, CR: YSGG solid state laser to the selected biofilm area from a hand held device. The method includes generating cavitation to the selected area of biofilm by the application of water and the application of the Er, CR: YSGG solid state laser to result in biofilm disruption without tissue injury. The biofilm disruption produces a reduction of the biofilm over a period of time, with a reduction in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A comparison of digital image analyses of tongue coatings over a period of time can determine the reduction in biofilm.

Abstract: There is provided an LMA mask integrated for robotic surgery with ventilation or anesthesia tubes and for receiving the robot head with medical instruments through the mask. The inflatable cuff of the mask surrounds the robot head and ventilation so that the items necessary for surgical procedures are contained within a compact defined area. Increased maneuverability and visibility for the medical professional. Integration of the mask with processes for ventilation or anesthesia by accessories is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: A device for removal of bio-film without cutting or injury to tissue is provided which is an elongated, thin and flexible member which encases a fiber optic piece and having a downward curved section at or near one end. The fiber optic protrudes from the end of the member and is covered by a diffuser to create a light emitting head, which can be used to direct light energy to a selected treatment site. Disclosed are safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments for bio-film removal, such as halitosis and other microbial infections of the non-dental upper respiratory tract useful to treat bacterial and other microorganism species, including anaerobic bacteria. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal, RF and/or microwave wavelengths, is topically applied to internal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics.

Abstract: An electronic respiratory mask capable of filtering air that passes through is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a face mask includes a body having an inner volume that surrounds the user's mouth when the body is placed over the user's mouth, a first electrode located on the body, the first electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and an outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, and a second electrode located on the body, the second electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, wherein the first and second electrode create an electric field gradient that is capable of suspending microbes as air passes between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment.

Abstract: A method for sinus surgery includes piercing first and second access openings into the anatomy of a human subject to access an inaccessible sinus site for cooperatively manipulating respective first and second surgical instruments inserted through the openings. One instrument, for example an endoscope, can permit viewing of the sinus site while the other instrument is manipulated to effect a treatment at the sinus site. The maxillary and other sinuses can be accessed and anti-inflammatory and other treatments can be applied. Systems and instruments for performing such sinus surgery methods are also disclosed.