Abstract: An intra-oral, sublingual electrode device for the electrical stimulation of a genioglossus muscle to maintain the patency of an upper airway in the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome is disclosed as having a plurality of electrodes mounted to a support that is securable within an oral cavity to maintain optimally effective electrode disposition. The support is temporarily and conveniently securable, for example, to a patient's lower teeth. The support includes a plurality of electrode support members, each supporting and electrically insulating an electrode. Electrical conductors connected to the electrodes are routed through portions of the device to enhance the latter's stability, to protect the conductors and to position the conductors for comfortable egress from the patient's mouth. Various apparatus for fastening the assembly in place and for urging the electrodes into comfortable and effective contact are also disclosed, as are various methods of electrical muscle stimulation.

Abstract: A method for treatment of sleep-apnea syndrome in a patient is disclosed as including mointoring inspiratory effort and generating electrical signals in response to the step of monitoring in order to stimulate those nerves which activate the patient's upper airway muscles to contract in order to maintain upper airway patency. A system (10) for such treatment is disclosed as including a monitor (14) capable of monitoring inspiratory effort, and an elecrtrical signal generating mechanism (16) coupled to the monitor (14) for generating electrical signals, to affect the patient's upper airway muscles in order to thereby maintain upper airway patency.

Abstract: A harness for a tube for use in patient health care, particularly for naso-enteral feeding. The harness is a thin elongated length of material, preferably cylindrical or tubular, secured to a nasal tube for a distance along the length of the tube and inserted into the patient with the tube. The harness then may be secured about the patient's nasal septum so that the connection between the harness and the tube along the distance is within the patient's nostril.

Abstract: A harness for a naso-enteral tube for use in patient health care, particularly for naso-enteral feeding. The harness is a thin elongated length of material, preferably cyclindrical or tubular, secured to a naso-enternal tube for a distance along the length of the tube and inserted into the patient with the naso-enteral tube. The harness then may be secured about the patients nasal septum so that the connection between the harness and the naso-enteral tube along siad distance is within the patient's nostril.