Apparatus and method for securing uvula

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for securing a uvula, the apparatus comprising:
 a securement device having a main body with a first side and a second side;   a first extension extending from first side of the main body, wherein the first extension has a first end distal from the main body;   a first barb proximal to the first end of the first extension; and   a securement tool having a first shaft with a first slot configured to receive the securement device and an actuation member configured to extend from or retract into securement tool such that the first barb and first extension are advanced distally from the actuation member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a second extension extending from the second side of the main body, wherein the second extension has a second end distal from the main body; and 
 a second barb proximal to the second end of the second extension. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the securement device is selected from the group consisting of a staple, tack, rivet, and suture. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the securement device is sized for insertion into or through a uvula. 
     
     
         5 . A method of securing a uvula, comprising:
 providing a securement device having a main body with a first side and a first barb extending from the first side;   folding the uvula over towards a nasopharyngeal or oral side of a soft palate via a securement tool so that the uvula is positioned in proximity to the soft palate; and   advancing the first barb from the securement tool into or through the uvula such that the first barb passes through the uvula and is retained in proximity to the nasopharyngeal or oral side of the soft palate via the main body.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein folding the uvula comprises folding the uvula towards the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein folding the uvula comprises folding the uvula towards the oral side of the soft palate. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein advancing a securement device comprises extending an actuation member from the securement tool such that the first barb is advanced distally from the actuation member. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the securement device is selected from the group consisting of a staple, tack, rivet, and suture. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the securement tool has a first shaft with a curved portion and an actuation member configured to extend from the securement tool while urging the securement device distally from the securement tool. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 5  wherein folding the uvula further comprises positioning the securement tool so that the uvula is positioned in proximity to the first barb.