Tether line systems and methods for tongue or other tissue suspension or compression

Abstract

Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, comprising:
 a suture having a first thickness dimension; and   an elastomer coating a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension,   wherein the portion of the suture coated by the elastomer comprises a coiled section,   wherein areas of the suture not coated by the elastomer define lateral ends of the suspension line.   
     
     
         18 . The suspension line of  claim 17 , wherein the suture consists of a monolithic strand which continually runs the length of the suspension line. 
     
     
         19 . The suspension line of  claim 17 , wherein the suture extends through the entire central segment of the suspension line defined by the elastomer. 
     
     
         20 . The suspension line of  claim 17 , wherein the elastomer does not coat all of the suture. 
     
     
         21 . The suspension line of  claim 17 , wherein the lateral ends of the suspension line are configured to couple to a bone anchor. 
     
     
         22 . The suspension line of  claim 17 , further comprising a radiopaque marker. 
     
     
         23 . A variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, comprising:
 a suture having a first thickness dimension; and   an elastomer coating a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension,   wherein the portion of the suture coated by the elastomer comprises a central curled section,   wherein areas of the suture not coated by the elastomer define lateral ends of the suspension line.   
     
     
         24 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein the elastomer comprises silicone. 
     
     
         25 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of the suspension line is radiopaque. 
     
     
         26 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein the first thickness dimension is less than 0.020 inches. 
     
     
         27 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein the second thickness dimension is between 0.080 inches and 0.120 inches. 
     
     
         28 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein the suture is braided. 
     
     
         29 . The suspension line of  claim 23 , wherein the suture extends axially along the entire length of the suspension line. 
     
     
         30 . A system comprising:
 a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, comprising:
 a suture having a first thickness dimension; and 
 an elastomer coating a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, 
 wherein the portion of the suture coated by the elastomer comprises a coiled section, 
 wherein areas of the suture not coated by the elastomer define lateral ends of the suspension line; and 
   a suture passer.   
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising a bone anchor configured to engage the lateral ends of the suspension line. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising a bone anchor configured to engage the mandible. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising a suture lock mechanism. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the suture passer comprises a dual shaft configuration with a single actuator control at a proximal end. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the suture passer comprises a first elongate shaft and a second elongate shaft. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the suture passer comprises finger grips extending from opposite sidewalls of a body of the suture passer.