Nasopharyngeal Device for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

摘要

The system and method for reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea in patients with the use of a nasopharyngeal device. The nasopharyngeal device has at least one cup and a balloon-cuff located at opposing ends of a semi-rigid, solid-walled tube. The balloon-cuff is reversibly inflatable and is located adjacent to the soft palate of a patient when installed. The inflation of the balloon-cuff opens the airway in a patient thereby reducing obstructive sleep apnea. The one or more cups have perforations, holes, slots or the like for increasing air intake. The cups may also contain clips for securing the nasopharyngeal device in place.

主权项

1. A nasopharyngeal device for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, comprising
a semi-rigid, solid-walled tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a reversibly inflatable balloon-cuff located at the distal end of the tube wherein when inflated the balloon-cuff maintains patency of the nasopharyngeal airway by stenting open the soft palate and defines an area through which air flow is not allowed except through the tube; at least one cup located at the proximal end of the tube; and an inflation port for inflating and deflating the balloon-cuff via the tube.