CPC A61F 5/566 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/00349 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
1. A method for treatment of a breathing disorder, the method comprising:
a) inserting a tissue retractor implantation device through a first location of a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx, the tissue retractor implantation device including a mechanical coupler;
b) inserting a implantable tissue retractor into the oral cavity or pharynx, the implantable tissue retractor comprising a flexible elastic shaft, a retractor member connected at or near a first end of the shaft, a removable coupler removably connected at or near a second end of the shaft, and an anchor member configured to be threaded onto the shaft and secured thereto during implantation wherein at least one of a portion of the shaft, the retractor member, or the anchor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue of the patient;
c) engaging the removable coupler with the mechanical coupler of the tissue retractor implantation device;
d) withdrawing the mechanical coupler of the tissue retractor implantation device to position at least a portion of the shaft of the implantable tissue retractor within the soft tissue;
e) securing the anchor member to the second end of the shaft of the implantable tissue retractor to secure at least a portion of the implantable tissue retractor within the soft tissue; and
f) removing the removable coupler from the tissue retractor.
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