| abstract |
A laryngeal stent for supporting anatomical features of the mammalian larynx, including a human larynx is formed by a gas-inflatable envelope fabricated from a resilient, deformable material can conform to the anatomical surfaces of the larynx within the mammal's esophagus when pressurized by the gas. In preferred embodiment stents, the surface of the envelope is coarse, allowing for the venting of air between the laryngeal surfaces and the envelope. However, the stent conforms so closely to the anatomical features of the larynx that sutures are not required to anchor the stent in place. |