Patent ID: 7730888
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: advancing a distal end of a tubular nasopharyngeal airway device through a nostril opening and into a nasal passageway of a patient, the nasopharyngeal airway device having a proximal end that is larger than the nostril opening; manually bending a resiliently flexible elongated locking protrusion that projects from the proximal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device back toward the distal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device; and inserting at least a terminal tip of the locking protrusion into the same nostril opening in which the nasopharyngeal airway device is disposed so that the locking protrusion biases against the lining of the nasal passageway, thereby securing the nasopharyngeal airway device within the nasal passageway.