| 摘要 |
The present invention is a non-invasive soft tissue grasper/desiccator which includes a pistol-like main body (16) with the tissue grasper (18) at the distal end. Within the tissue grasper portion is a working surface on which is disposed an energy delivery element (24). Different types of energy delivery elements may be utilized including RF energy, electrical resistance heating, microwave, or ultrasound. The energy element, and working surface are arranged such that the energy element non-invasive contacts only a surface of the tissue to treat it. The grasper may comprise two jaw-like members for grasping tissue, or alternatively other arrangements such as a vacuum device are contemplated. In use the grasper holds tissue to be treated against the energy delivery element without puncturing, or otherwise entering the tissue while energy is delivered to reduce the tissue mass. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly useful for reducing soft tissue such as the uvula in the treatment of snoring disorders.
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