An insertion device (100) and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element (106) with a tissue penetrating end (102) and a side opening (108), an inner tubular element (124) positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device (116a,116b) fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft (132) extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element (200) positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto.
