Patent ID: 8460322
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating a condition of an airway, comprising: providing a suture passer comprising: inserting the suture passer into a patient's tongue without passing the first and second elongate shafts through the tongue mucosa, wherein said inserting advances the suture distally into and through tongue tissue; moving the needle from a retracted position within the first elongate shaft through the opening in the first elongate shaft to an extended position within the tongue tissue to form a curved or lateral path through the tongue tissue, the needle carrying the suture along the path; capturing the suture from the needle at a location within the tongue tissue with the suture-receiving element; retracting the needle into the first elongate shaft; withdrawing the suture passer from the tongue while the suture remains captured by the suture-receiving element to place a suture loop in the tongue; and advancing the patient's tongue forward to relieve airway obstruction using a suture that follows the path of the suture loop placed by the suture passer, wherein the suture is secured near the patient's mandible to suspend the tongue.