Abstract: A nasal device for filtering air breathed into a user's nose is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nasal device includes a body sized and shaped to be secured to at least one of a user's nostrils, and a filter positioned on the body so as to be located over at least one of the user's nasal passages when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril, wherein the filter filters air breathed into the user's at least one nasal passage when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril.

Abstract: A nasal device for filtering air breathed into a user's nose is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nasal device includes a body sized and shaped to be secured to at least one of a user's nostrils, and a filter positioned on the body so as to be located over at least one of the user's nasal passages when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril, wherein the filter filters air breathed into the user's at least one nasal passage when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Abstract: A nasal device for filtering air breathed into a user's nose is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nasal device includes a body sized and shaped to be secured to at least one of a user's nostrils, and a filter positioned on the body so as to be located over at least one of the user's nasal passages when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril, wherein the filter filters air breathed into the user's at least one nasal passage when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril.

Abstract: An article of clothing with a built-in respiratory filter is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the article of clothing includes a collar configured to be worn around a wearer's neck, a respiratory filter positioned below the collar, and an attachment mechanism configured to secure the collar above the wearer's nose when desired by the wearer, wherein the respiratory filter is positioned over the wearer's nose and/or mouth when the attachment mechanism secures the collar above the wearer's nose.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Abstract: In an improved method for surgically treating a sleep-related breathing disorder, comprising hyoid distruction/expansion and hyo-mandibular suspension, an implant comprises a polypropylene and/or reticulated elastomeric biostable polyurethane matrix. The matrix is positioned between two or more segments of the distructed hyoid bone.

Abstract: A method for offering an item to an individual for a reduced price. The method includes receiving a purchase request for the item from the individual, retrieving a pricing model associated with the item from a first database, retrieving information regarding the item from one of the first database and a second database, calculating the reduced price for the item by applying at least a portion of the retrieved information to the retrieved pricing model, and transmitting data indicating the reduced price to the individual.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for administering local anesthetics and therapeutic medications during endoscopic surgery. The method of administering the medication includes inserting an endoscope having a hollow channel through a nasal cavity of a patient, inserting a syringe through the hollow channel and into a selected anatomical site, and inserting medicine into the selected anatomical site through the syringe. The apparatus used for administering the medication includes a tip portion, an outer flexible tube and a flexible member disposed at least in part within the flexible tube. The flexible member has a distal end and is connected to the tip portion at the distal end thereof. The flexible member may also be movable in an axial direction relative to the outer flexible tube such that in a first position the tip portion is disposed within the outer flexible tube and in a second position the tip portion is extended out of the outer flexible tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of removing smoke and vaporized tissue from a patient's mouth and controlling a patient's tongue through use of a hollow tongue blade coupled to a pneumatic evacuation device which can be used in conjunction with a pharyngeal handpiece during laser applications.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for monitoring the flow of inspired and expired air. The apparatus includes a respiratory air tract and a piezoelectric sensor for sensing the pressure within the air tract relative to ambient pressure and generating a corresponding pressure signal. There can be alarm means in communication with the pressure sensor for indicating when flow within the air tract is inadequate. The present invention is also an apparatus for maintaining a breathing passage in the trachea of a patient. The apparatus has a tracheotomy tube for fitting into the trachea and a pressure sensor disposed such that the pressure of the air in the tracheotomy tube is sensed and produces a pressure signal corresponding to the air pressure in the tracheotomy tube. Preferably, there is also a capacitor disposed in the tracheotomy tube such that the capacitance of the capacitor corresponds to the percent occlusion of the tube by an obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring nasal air flow. The apparatus includes a head for interacting with at least one of the nasal cavities of a patient. The head has a measuring chamber through which air is inhaled into and exhaled from the nasal cavity. A resistance wire is positioned within the measuring chamber with the path of air flow. There is also a current generator electrically connected to the resistance wire for providing a constant current through the resistance wire such that the resistance wire is heated. The apparatus further includes means for analyzing change in voltage across the resistance wire over time such that air flow through the measuring chamber is determined. The analyzing means is electrically connected to the resistance wire. There are also means for displaying the determined air flow. The present invention is also a method for measuring nasal air flow.