Abstract: A dynamic nasal molding device for presurgical molding of cleft lip deformities, the device having a pair of rotation assemblies each having an internal shaping member for insertion in a nostril and an external shaping member to be positioned external to the nostril, wherein the internal and external shaping members are progressively pivoted about the rotation assemblies, while simultaneously the separation distance between the rotation assemblies is decreased, to mold the nasal anatomy into the desired shape.

Abstract: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90° to a proximal segment and a balloon catheter which is substantially straight. The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus to be excised. The catheters have appropriate inflated working diameters and appropriate outer diameters with the balloon deflated that will enable the catheter to be pushed into the respective prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus cavity to be excised. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.

Abstract: The nosebleed treatment apparatus features a pair of pliable mirror image nose pads comprising a first nose pad and a second nose pad. A gel pack is disposed within each nose pad. Each gel pack has a first side spaced apart from a second side. The first side is adjacent to an inner surface of the medial pad section. The second side is disposed within the lateral pad section. A smooth shouldered reinforcement member is disposed atop each nose pad. A U-shaped oblong tensing member connects the first nose pad to the second nose pad at each reinforcement member. The apparatus can be placed in a freezer or cooler for extended cool retention within the gel packs when removed. Upon removal, the apparatus is placed on a bleeding nose and remains until removed, so that a patient need not hold it in place.

Abstract: A method of dilating a paranasal sinus ostium of a patient, which includes inserting a catheter having at least one balloon into a sinus ostium having an ostial wall, inflating the balloon by supplying fluid thereto such that the balloon exerts a force on the ostial wall, determining at least one parameter of the balloon, establishing an amount the balloon can be inflated without fracturing the sinus ostium based at least in part on the determined parameter of the balloon, and dilating the sinus ostium by inflating the balloon to an amount that does not exceed the established amount.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an epistaxis condition are disclosed herein. An exemplary epistaxis apparatus typically comprises an elongated body, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The elongated body includes a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and a distal end. In use, the proximal end of the epistaxis apparatus is introduced into a patient's nostril. The distal end can be operative coupled to a suction source or a light source. Each of the first and second conduits is generally tubular having a proximal opening and distal opening. An exemplary light conducting apparatus comprise a generally frustoconical section, a generally elongated cylindrical section, and an angled tip section having a light conducting tip. The light conducting apparatus is typically adapted to operatively couple with an otoscope. Exemplary methods utilizing various embodiments of both the epistaxis apparatus and the light conduction apparatus are provided.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: An inflatable nasopharyngeal stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having a lumen defining a central inner chamber. A plurality of inflatable spokes are disposed along the central tube. The spokes are in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the central tube and are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes connect to a rib. The un-inflated stent is inserted into the nasal passageway through a naris and positioned such that so that a portion of the device is proximal to an anatomic structure exhibiting undesirable inflammation, configuration, growth or motility. Once positioned, the stent is inflated. Upon inflation, the ribs and adjoining web members move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the nasopharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the inflatable spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.

Abstract: A device for treatment of nosebleeds having an elongated body configured to be positioned between the upper gum and the portion of the face below the nose and above the top lip of a human. When so positioned intra-orally, the device exerts pressure on an area of nasal vascularization of the human. Also, a nosebleed package having a sterile inside environment and a nosebleed device packaged therein, and a box containing a plurality of nosebleed packages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a bag located in the gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. One or more intragastric members are loaded into a delivery tube in a partially compacted first configuration and delivered to an overtube. The overtube includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen configured to receive the intragastric members in the first configuration for delivery to the bag located in the gastric lumen wherein the intragastric member is expanded to a second configuration. The apparatus further comprises a constraining element engaged with the bag to secure the intragastric member upon delivery into the gastric lumen.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. An elongate member is inserted through the passageway, the elongate member having an inflation member such as a balloon disposed thereon. The inflation member is positioned within the constricted passageway. The inflation member is expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted sinus passageway.

Abstract: A dilator assembly for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy includes a dilator element having a wall and a proximal end part extending into a distal tip part via an intermediate part. The wall has a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a dilator opening. The assembly extends towards the distal tip part. The dilator assembly is part of a tracheostomy device. The device has a first branch for arranging inside the trachea, and a second branch co-operative with the first branch. The first branch has a first end and a receiving member while the opposing second end has a first coupling part. The second branch has a first end with a guide for a neck penetration member and an opposing second end with a second coupling part for coupling with the first coupling part of the first branch. The first and second branches are detachably coupled together at their respective second ends.

Abstract: An implant configured for ingestion by a patient. After the implant has been swallowed by the patient and is disposed within the target location, e.g. the patient's stomach, an inflation subcomponent causes the implant to expand from a compact delivery state to an expanded, volume-occupying, deployed state. In the deployed state the implant creates a sensation of satiety in the patient stomach and thereby aids in limiting food intake and obesity. After a predetermined time a deflation subcomponent is actuated and the implant reduces in size so as to allow it to pass through the remainder of the patient's digestive track. The device may further incorporate tracking and visualization subcomponents, as well as pharmaceutical delivery subcomponents.

Abstract: The delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue are described herein where such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for performing any number of procedures on the tissue for identifying, locating, and/or accessing ischemic and/or infarcted tissue.

Abstract: A suctioning and irrigating sinus balloon catheter is provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities and choana. The catheter has a number of fluid carrying conduits to provide irrigation, suction and inflation/deflation to the distally mounted balloon. The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, choana or sinus to be excised. Some catheters can be hand bendable by the surgeon. Some catheters provide the capability of threading an endoscope through one of the conduits. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, choana, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects. An implantable delivery device comprising a reservoir is initially attached to a deliver catheter or delivery tool and is introduced into the body and positioned at a desired site. A therapeutic or diagnostic substance is then introduced into the reservoir and the delivery catheter or deliver tool is then removed, leaving the implantable delivery device implanted within the body. The substance is then delivered from the reservoir at a rate that causes the desire diagnostic or therapeutic effect. Also provided are substance eluting stents that elute substance from a selected surface of the stent (e.g., the outer surface) but not from another surface of the stent (e.g., the inner surface).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucossally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's paranasal sinus, such as the frontal sinus, having an obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring ostium or nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring ostium or nasofrontal duct to enlarge the ostium or nasofrontal duct. The ostium or nasofrontal duct remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rhinoplasty and treating nasal valve stenosis are disclosed herein. The nasal valve acts as a flow-limiter and can contribute to airway obstruction if resistance within the nasal valve is excessive. In one embodiment, a system for treating nasal valve stenosis includes a first elongate implant and a second elongate implant configured to support the nasal valves when implanted. The implants can be coupled together by connecting elements, such as eyelets, tethers, complementary socket joints, and button-rivet supports.

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring are provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal. The appliance, when so placed is effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient.

Abstract: An epistaxis apparatus for use with a sphygmomanometer having an arm cuff comprising: i) an air filled compressible rubber reservoir bulb sized to be received within the arm cuff for compression therein; ii) a flexible hose having one end connected to an end portion of the compressible bulb; and, iii) an inflatable nasal bladder having a front end portion connected to another end potion of the hose having an exterior shape generally sized to fill a nasal cavity. When the sphygmomanometer is pumped to a selected pressure, the nasal bladder expands within the nasal cavity to the selected pressure stopping a nose bleed. In a preferred aspect of this invention the nasal bladder comprises two similar side portions so that each nasal cavity of a user may receive one of the nasal bladders so that when the apparatus is pumped to the selected pressure each side portion will be similarly pressured and septal deviation with its associated discomfort will be avoided.

Abstract: A nose protect, which is mounted in each of nostrils to thereby reshape the nose, includes a first nostril abutting portion having a first curved surface, coming in surface contact with the inside region of a nasal tip in a preset range; a second nostril abutting portion having a second curved surface, coming in surface contact with the inside region of an ala nasi opposite to the inside region of the nasal tip in a preset range; and a pair of nostril abutting portion connections configured into a thin plate shape that facilitates elastic deformation, coupling the first nostril abutting portion to the second nostril abutting portion, integrally molded out of synthetic resin in which tourmaline powder is mixed with silicon resin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a balloon catheter for the respiratory tract, which serves to widen the lumen of the respiratory tract when stricture or stenosis of the lumen occurs and is configured to enable a patient to breathe even during catheterization. The catheter includes a tube unit having a double structure consisting of an inner tube and an outer tube spaced apart from the inner tube to surround the inner tube, and a cylindrical balloon integrally connected to facing distal ends of the inner and outer tubes. The balloon is inflated to have a hollow cylindrical shape as inflation gas is supplied into the outer tube, thereby acting to widen the stenosed or narrowed lumen of the respiratory tract, and simultaneously, oxygen is supplied into the inner tube to pass through the cylindrical balloon, thereby enabling a patient to breathe and resulting in stability in catheterization.

Abstract: A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) airway protection device includes an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. A main lumen extends the length of the device and is configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. A sump port is at the distal end. A sump lumen is formed the length of the device body and configured for venting gas and preventing adherence of the device against the gastric wall. An inflatable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body mid-esophagus and an inflation lumen is formed within the device body and connects the inflatable esophageal cuff through which the esophageal cuff is inflated and deflated. Upon inflation of the esophageal cuff, emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus to protect a patient's airway.

Abstract: A disposable medical device for engaging with a reusable medical instrument and methods of using same.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods comprising an instrument for expanding a paranasal sinus. The instrument may comprise an articulatable shaft and a positioning member configured to move the articulatable shaft from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A dilation catheter device and system for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus and/or other passageways within the ear, nose or throat is disclosed. A dilation catheter device and system is constructed in a manner that facilitates ease of use by the operator and, in at least some cases, allows the dilation procedure to be performed by a single operator. Additionally, the dilation catheter device and system may be useable in conjunction with an endoscope and/or a fluoroscope to provide for easy manipulation and positioning of the devices and real time visualization of the entire procedure or selected portions thereof. In some embodiments, shaft markers are disposed on a shaft of the dilation catheter and have a light color to contrast with a dark color of the dilation catheter shaft. The high contrast between the markers and catheter shaft allows for easy viewing of the markers in low light and operation conditions.

Abstract: An implant configured for ingestion by a patient. After the implant has been swallowed by the patient and is disposed within the target location, e.g. the patient's stomach, an inflation subcomponent causes the implant to expand from a compact delivery state to an expanded, volume-occupying, deployed state. In the deployed state the implant creates a sensation of satiety in the patient stomach and thereby aids in limiting food intake and obesity. After a predetermined time a deflation subcomponent is actuated and the implant reduces in size so as to allow it to pass through the remainder of the patient's digestive track. The device may further incorporate tracking and visualization subcomponents, as well as pharmaceutical delivery subcomponents.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's ethmoid sinus. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in a space associated with the ethmoid sinus to enlarge the space. The space remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: A collapsible filter element (40) for a transcatheter embolic protection device (1). The filter element (40) comprises a collapsible filter body (41) which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element (40). A proximal inlet portion of the filter body (41) has two inlet openings (50) sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body (41), and a distal outlet portion of the filter body (41) has a plurality of small outlet openings (51) to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body (41). The filter body (41) is of an oriented polymeric material.

Abstract: A guide catheter for use in treating sinuses, the catheter including a catheter shaft configured to provide suction about a balloon catheter and a distal portion shaped for navigating body anatomy. In one embodiment, the guide catheter includes a valve for sealing the balloon catheter and a vent for controlling suction.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for dilating tissues. In other variations, the dilatation device comprises a slotted or expandable tube that may expand to dilate tissue. In still other variations, the dilatation device comprises two or more hinged or movable plate members that separate to dilate tissue. In yet other variations, the dilation device may comprise one or more flexible members. One or more portions of the dilatation device may be detachable from the device in the body, and dilatation device may release one or more implants into the body. In some of these variations, the dilatation device may additionally be used to expand one or more implants or other devices within the body. In some variations the dilatation device may release one or more substances that may hold dilated tissue in a dilated configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accessing a Eustachian tube of a patient are disclosed. The system includes a guide configured for passing into a nasal passage of the patient to position a distal tip of the catheter at or near a Eustachian tube, the guide having a distal tip with a bend having an angle between 30 and 90 degrees; and a guidewire configured to pass through the guide into the Eustachian tube. A device for providing therapy to the Eustachian tube is passed through the guide.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's sphenoid sinus having an obstructed or narrowed sphenoid ostium. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed sphenoid ostium to enlarge the ostium. The ostium remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's maxillary sinus having an obstructed or narrowed maxillary ostium. An opening is created into the maxillary sinus. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the opening to enlarge the opening. The opening remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's paranasal sinus having an obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring bony and mucosal ostium or duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring bony and mucosal ostium or duct to enlarge the naturally occurring bony and mucosal ostium or duct. The ostium or duct remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: An adjustable nasal cavity dilation device includes a first deformable body having a shape corresponding to the nasal cavity. Top and bottom frame ends of the body are interconnected by a flexible wall structure that undergoes deformation in response to movement of one frame end relative to the other. A releasable holding member includes a ring that engages the bottom frame end and an upstanding central member that engages the top frame end. The ring and the upstanding central member are coupled by a plurality of radial arms. The flexible wall structure is deformed and effective for urging against nasal cavity walls to increase air flow through the nasal passage when the top and bottom frame ends are maintained in a holding condition by the ring and the upstanding central member. The ring and radial arms define openings that permit passage of air into and out of the nasal cavity through the releasable holding member.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: An internal nasal prosthesis of unitary construction. The prosthsis has three distinct segments, an arched medial segment and two lateral appendages on each end of the medial segment.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's maxillary sinus having an obstructed or narrowed maxillary ostium. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed maxillary ostium to enlarge the ostium. The ostium remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed.

Abstract: A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A method for treating a natural drainage passageway in a subject includes forming a cannulated artificial passageway into a subject's sinus cavity through the canine fossa region with a piercing member, the piercing member containing a hollow cannula thereon, the cannula comprising an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing therethrough. The piercing member is removed so as to leave the cannula in place. A balloon dilation catheter is then advanced within the lumen of the cannula so as to place the dilation balloon at least partially across the natural drainage passage in the sinus cavity. The dilation balloon is dilated so as to at least partially expand the natural drainage passageway.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an irregular configuration on an exterior surface, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.