A KIT TO BE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

摘要

Sling (10) useful in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Appnea (OSA) are described. An exemplary sling comprises a main body (12) extending along a lengthwise axis (26) and having first and second opposing ends (14, 16), first and second opposing sides (18, 20), and first and second opposing surfaces (22, 24). Each end defines an end loop that defines a passageway extending through the main body. An exemplary method of treatment comprises creating two openings in the mandible of a patient; creating two longitudinal tunnels in the tongue of the patient; creating a transverse tunnel in the tongue of the patient; advancing a sling through the transverse tunnel; pulling each end of the sling through one of the longitudinal tunnels and through one of the openings in the mandible; pulling the tongue toward the front of the mouth or mandible; and securing the sling to a tissue to support the tongue in a new position.