Sleep Apnea Therapy With Naso-Phyrangeal Bypass

Abstract

Naso-pharyngeal devices for treating sleep apnea can perform two functions simultaneously: keeping an open airway through an inner lumen of the device; and support for the tissue in the airway, because keeping the tissue from completely collapsing creates the possibility of some air movement around the device in the critical areas associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

1 . A method of treating sleep apnea in a patient, the method comprising:
 selecting a collapsible tube having a length so that, when the tube is inserted through the patient's nostril, through the nasal cavity, and into the patient's throat, a distal end of the tube is above the patient's epiglottis and a proximal end of the tube is outside of the patient's nostril;   inserting the collapsible tube, in a collapsed configuration, through the patient's nostril, through the patient's nasal cavity, and into the patient's throat, with the distal end of the tube above the patient's epiglottis and the proximal end of the tube outside of the patient's nostril; and   causing the tube to expand into an at least partially un-collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein causing the tube to expand comprises inflating the tube. 
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein:
 selecting further comprises selecting a tube which includes a mandrel extending longitudinally through the tube and an enlargement on a distal end of the mandrel; and   causing the tube to expand comprises pulling the mandrel enlargement proximally through the tube.