Abstract: A removable device inserted into the nose which is designed to improve quality of sleep by increasing air-flow volume to lungs and to provide relief from snoring caused by insufficient air and mouth breathing. Triangular in shape with an open-ended base, the device has a tipped vertex and two cone-shaped, spiral coils positioned sideways at the open end of each side, one for each nostril. The device is adjustable by narrowing or widening the span between the coils, by shortening or lengthening the device by rolling or unrolling coils, by changing the direction or slant of the coil to accommodate the configuration of the nostril--which can be moved either from the top of the coil and/or from the bottom of the coil, and by adjusting the depth of the coil by increasing or decreasing the space between the spirals of each coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is an external nasal splint which is adapted so that it may be placed across the bridge of the human nose, where it facilitates breathing without irritating the skin across the bridge of the nose. The splint contains a planar sheet of flexible material which has in its length-wise direction a central portion and two opposing end portions. The planar sheet is joined to an adhesive layer which also has in its length-wise direction a central portion and two opposing end portions. The central portion and the two opposing end portions of the planar sheet have an upper surface which is not adhesive to human skin. The two opposing end portions of the adhesive layer have a lower surface which is adhesive to human skin, so that the two opposing end portions are capable of affixing the external nasal splint to the human nose for a typical period of use, for instance six to twenty-four hours; and the central portion has a lower surface which is not adhesive to human skin.

Abstract: An expandable external radiopaque marker band is situated external to the balloon of a balloon angioplasty catheter typically at the balloon's longitudinal center. When the balloon is inflated to dilate an arterial stenosis, the external radiopaque marker band is moved radially outward by the balloon thereby forcing the external radiopaque marker band into the arterial wall. When the balloon is then deflated, the external radiopaque marker band remains in place against the wall of the dilated stenosis. The balloon angioplasty catheter can then be removed from the artery while the expanded external radiopaque marker band remains in place to indicate (typically) the center position of the dilated stenosis. The external radiopaque marker band is typically made from a dense, radiopaque metal such as tantalum, gold, platinum or an alloy of those dense metals.

Abstract: A nasal breathing device for insertion into the nasal passageways of humans for providing enhanced breathing of air through the user's nose. The nasal passageways each include a nasal septum wall, an opposite inner wall, and an inner lower wall. The nasal device is formed and shaped from a single strand of wire into a bridge member and a pair of nasal engaging assemblies. The bridge member has a horizontal member with first and second ends; first and second vertical arms integrally attached to the first and second ends of the horizontal member; and the bridge member is used for engaging the bridge of the nose to prevent the nasal device from moving upwardly into the nasal passageways.

Abstract: A nasal dilator for preventing outer wall tissue of nasal passages of a nose from drawing in during breathing. There is a spring member for bridging a human nose, the spring member extending over the bridge and at least partly beyond the bridge on both sides of the bridge. A pad with an adhesive surface covers the spring member and extends around the spring member so that there is a perimeter of space formed between the spring member and the pad member. The spring is inset centrally in the pad. An adhesive between the spring member and the pad wholly connects the spring member on its entire engaging surface with the pad. The dilator can be formed of transparent or clear material so as to enhance its cosmetic appearance on the nose, and there can be printing on one or more members of the dilator.

Abstract: A nasal splint comprising a turbinate retaining portion and securing system for securing the splint against the nasal septum and causing the turbinate retaining portion of the splint to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. In operation, the nasal splint is placed inside the nose prior to performing endoscopic surgery. The splint is secured to the nasal septum so as to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. Endoscopic surgery is then performed while still retaining the middle turbinate against the nasal septum.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The dilator includes an elongated substrate having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. A resilient member is bonded to the substrate to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes an aromatic medication or transdermal medication disposed on the dilator to further improve breathing. Ideal aromatic medications include camphor and menthol. Reinforcing scrims, layers and thermoplastics melt-bonding procedures are also provided for improving properties and minimizing costs.

Abstract: An adhesive band is designed for use on the nose to improve breathing through the nose. The bottom part is triangular shaped to fit the tip of the nose. The middle part is made narrow to fit over the bridge of the nose. The top part is rectangular to fit on the forehead. The application of this band to the nose in an upward pulling manner lifts the tip of the nose. This new more horizontal position of the nasal tip allows for easier nasal breathing by reducing resistence of air entering the nose. The principles of this invention have been described in this application. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Abstract: A user friendly nasal band and method are provided which lifts up the tip of the nose, enlarges the nostrils and shortens the effective length of the nasal passageways. The light weight nasal band provides a comfortable sleep band and dilator strip which improves sleep and makes breathing easier for many patients. Advantageously, the sleep band and method also reduces or eliminates snoring for many patients. This is accomplished by improving the nasal airway. An improved nasal airway minimizes mouth breathing which prevents vibration of the palate, tongue, and pharyngeal walls thus reducing the noise of snoring. Air passing through the mouth during sleep causes vibration of the relaxed tongue, palate, and pharyngeal wall resulting in the noise of snoring. The nasal band also provides an attractive sports band which minimizes collapse of the nasal sidewalls during jogging or other strenuous exercise so that athletes can continue to breathe through their nose rather than breather through their open mouth.

Abstract: A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway providing fluid flow and pressure release from sinus ostia and the like. A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway has lateral fenestrations along the central third of the nasopharyngeal tube. The fenestrations are generally two to three inches long and may be divided by separators into three sections to preserve stiffness and to hold open the fenestrations. Fluids produced by adjacent sinus ostia and the like may migrate into the lumen of the nasopharyngeal tube through the lateral fenestrations. Fluid collection is avoided, and fluid pressure arising from such fluid accumulation is relieved. Such fluids generally travel to the open distal end of the nasopharyngeal airway where it may be collected or otherwise disposed of by the body or health-care attendants. Additionally, probes and other diagnostic instruments may pass through the nasopharyngeal airway which protects the adjoining nasal mucosa.

Abstract: A nasal dilator device comprising two molded, rigid, substantially cylindrical insert pieces fixed to each other by a connecting strip at the respective bases thereof. Each insert piece is inserted into a vestibule of the nose to expand the area of the nostril, thereby enhancing breathing.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that prevents the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of the nose from drawing in during breathing comprises a truss member. The truss member includes a flexible strip of material having a first end region, a second end region and an intermediate segment. The first and second end regions are adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of first and second nasal passages of the nose. The intermediate segment is configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, and a pad can be provided to prevent adhesion of the intermediate segment to the nose. The truss member further includes first and second resilient bands secured to the strip of material adjacent opposite edges of the intermediate segment. The resiliency of the first and second resilient bands acts to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby prevents the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing.

Abstract: A dilator formed with a truss with a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces that provides a restoring force therebetween if forced toward one another, this restoring force provided by a resilient band extending between the opposite ends of the truss with a plurality of notches located at each of the ends thereof. The notches exceed at least a third of the thickness of the band and may comprise a separation at the location thereof between selected portions of said first resilient band with this separation surrounded by a corresponding separation edge thereabout intersecting a first surface of the first resilient band. A second and similar band may also be provided in the truss.

Abstract: A nasal stent for packing the nasal cavity following surgery, which includes a deformable cylinder with a breathing passageway therethrough, the cylinder having a diameter slightly larger than that of the nasal cavity of a user at an entranceway into the nasal cavities of the nose, wherein the cylinder has a smooth outer substantially non-absorbent surface that returns to its original shape following deformation.

Abstract: A nasal splint comprising a turbinate retaining portion and a securing system for securing the splint against the nasal septum and causing the turbinate retaining portion of the splint to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. In operation, the nasal splint is placed inside the nose prior to performing endoscopic surgery. The splint is secured to the nasal septum so as to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. Endoscopic surgery is then performed while still retaining the middle turbinate against the nasal septum.

Abstract: A nasal dilator for preventing outer wall tissue of nasal passages of a nose from drawing in during breathing. There is a spring member for bridging a human nose, the spring member extending over the bridge and at least partly beyond the bridge on both sides of the bridge. A pad with an adhesive surface covers the spring member and extends around the spring member so that there is a perimeter of space formed between the spring member and the pad member. The spring is inset centrally in the pad. An adhesive between the spring member and the pad wholly connects the spring member on its entire engaging surface with the pad.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that prevents the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of the nose from drawing in during breathing comprises a truss member. The truss member includes a flexible strip of material having a first end region, a second end region and an intermediate segment. The first and second end regions are adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of first and second nasal passages of the nose. The intermediate segment is configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages. The truss member further includes first and second resilient bands secured to the strip of material adjacent opposite edges of the intermediate segment. The resiliency of the first and second resilient bands acts to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby prevents the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing.

Abstract: A dilator formed with a truss with a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces that provides a restoring force therebetween if forced toward one another, this restoring force provided by a resilient band extending between the opposite ends of the truss with a plurality of notches at each end thereof. The notches exceed at least a third of the thickness of the band. A second and similar band may also be provided in the truss.

Abstract: A hemostatic tampon kit including an oval-shaped tampon adopted for easy insertion into the nasal cavity by a layman, composed of a compressed synthetic sponge adapted to expand upon contact with an aqueous fluid, the tampon includes a string attached thereto for anchoring to a nasal bandage placed over the nostrils of the user which includes an absorbent drip pad and an attachment element on the bandage for engaging and holding the tampon string. A sealable container of liquid vasoconstrictive medication for wetting and expanding the tampon and a container of anti-bacterial ointment for lubricating the tampon during insertion.

Abstract: A nasal splint is described to separate the mucoperiosteum within a nasal cavity. The splint includes an elongate base sized and shaped to separate the inferior conchae. A flexible wing extends away from the base to separate the walls of the middle conchae when the splint is in place within the nasal cavity. A hollow tube is also provided on the base for defining an air passage.

Abstract: An expandable nasal stent for postoperative nasal packing is formed of a body with outer surfaces that correspond generally to the surfaces that define a human nasal cavity. The body is formed of a highly porous, pliable and absorbent foam material having a nonadherent, minimally porous outer surface.

Abstract: Recovery from human ethmoidectomy or other pan-sinus surgery wherein the human middle turbinate is subjected to surgical procedure is improved by a post-operative healing technique which comprises inserting over at least a portion of the post-operative middle turbinate a turbinate sheath device. The novel turbinate sheath comprises a septal plate member having an integrally formed turbinate sheathing portion extending along an outer surface of said rear plate portion in a substantially horizontal position, said turbinate sheathing portion having an upper open slot portion adapted to receive and hold the middle turbinate during post-operative healing. The turbinate sheath device is secured by attaching the septal plate member to a nasal portion during healing, whereby the middle turbinate is separated from the septum and lateral nasal wall to prevent adhesion.

Abstract: Devices for improving nasal breathing and to nasal drug delivery devices having two end portions of a resilient material in the form of relatively thin tabs, preferably having a gentle curvature, interconnected by a resilient member. Upon bending of the connecting member, the two end tabs can be positioned in respective nostrils where they will be biased outwardly against the nasal side walls, the outward biasing force being sufficient to locate the device in the nose and to dilate the anterior part of each nasal cavity by an amount to improve nasal breathing. No part of the device is grippingly engaged with the septum and a substantial free passage for air flow remains between the septum wall and the nasal side wall-contacting face of each end tab.