Device and method for opening an airway

摘要

H:/1zs/lietnoven/NRPortbl/DCC/TZS/6267060 1.DOC-1/0)5/2014 A therapeutic apparatus for relieving obstruction to the upper airway of a patient, comprising: a vessel having an edge and an internal surface, the edge being configured to seat against the chin and neck of the patient to define a chamber at an external location approximately at the internal soft tissue of the patient associated with the anterior triangle of the neck; a vacuum pump inlet for receiving a negative pressure into the chamber to apply a force to a surface of the neck of the patient to draw the surface into the chamber; and a pressure control device for controlling the applied force within the range of about 0.5 kg to about 6.68 kg.