Nasopharyngeal device for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

The system and method for reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea in patients with the use of a nasopharyngeal device. The nasopharyngeal device has an obturator including reversibly expandable projections located at a distal end and a guide portion on a proximal end. The reversibly expandable projections are adapted to maintain patency of the nasopharyngeal airway by advancing anteriorly the soft palate. The nasopharyngeal device also has a tube that has a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage through which at least a portion of the obturator may be inserted.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A nasopharyngeal device for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, comprising:
 an obturator comprising a plurality of reversibly expandable projections located at a distal end and a guide portion on a proximal end, wherein the reversibly expandable projections are adapted to maintain patency of the nasopharyngeal airway by advancing anteriorly the soft palate; and   a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage through which at least a portion of the obturator may be inserted.   
     
     
         2 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube further comprises a tapered member. 
     
     
         3 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 2 , wherein the tapered member comprises one or more openings adapted to permit air to pass through during breathing. 
     
     
         4 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 2 , wherein the tapered member is disposed at or near the proximal end of the tube. 
     
     
         5 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises an adjustable clip member disposed at or near the proximal end of the tube and adapted to secure the tube to a nostril. 
     
     
         6 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reversibly expandable projections are flexible. 
     
     
         7 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reversibly expandable projections are attached to the obturator in a cantilevered manner. 
     
     
         8 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reversibly expandable projections are adapted to permit air to pass during breathing. 
     
     
         9 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is adapted to facilitate insertion of the obturator in the tube and manipulation of a position of the reversibly expandable projections relative to the soft palate. 
     
     
         10 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is adapted to be secured to the tube. 
     
     
         11 . A method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea with a nasopharyngeal device having a catheter and an obturator that is reversibly expandable at a distal end, the method comprising:
 inserting the nasopharyngeal device into the nasopharyngeal airway; and   advancing the obturator through the catheter thereby expanding the distal end and opening the airway.   
     
     
         12 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 11 , further comprising causing movement of the soft palate by expanding the distal end of the obturator. 
     
     
         13 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 11 , further comprising securing the nasopharyngeal device to the nostril. 
     
     
         14 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 11 , further comprising adjusting the catheter such that a tapered portion rests at the nostril. 
     
     
         15 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 11 , further comprising adjusting the position of the nasopharyngeal device such that air is able to pass during breathing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 11 , wherein the obturator comprises a plurality of reversibly expandable projections. 
     
     
         17 . The method of reducing obstructive sleep apnea of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of reversibly expandable projections are attached to the obturator in a cantilevered manner. 
     
     
         18 . A nasopharyngeal device for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, comprising:
 a catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage; and   an obturator comprising:
 means for projecting anteriorly the soft palate and thereby maintain patency of the nasopharyngeal airway; and 
 means for advancing and retracting the obturator through the catheter. 
   
     
     
         19 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 18 , further comprising means for securing the nasopharyngeal device to the nostril. 
     
     
         20 . The nasopharyngeal device of  claim 18 , further comprising means for securing the obturator's position relative to the soft palate.