Patent ID: 7146981
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for treating a pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining said airway, said method comprising: inserting an expander member into said airway and positioning an active portion of said expander member in an interior of said airway and external to a tissue of said pharyngeal wall and in opposition to an airway-defining tissue of portions of said wall to be treated; activating said expander member to urge against said airway-defining tissue of said portions to urge said portions to an outwardly displaced position; deactivating said expander member while leaving said portions in said outwardly placed position; removing said expander member from said airway; and wherein said activating of said expander member creates an area of compressed tissue of said patient adjacent said portions and said method further comprising injecting a biocompatible tissue stabilizer into said compressed tissue while said portions are in said outwardly placed positions.