A throat support device comprising a main throat support section having one or more lifting mechanisms, each with a tip, each tip adapted to fit into a location immediately adjacent to and behind a basihyoid bone, a thyroid cartilage and/or a cricoid cartilage of an animal to control upper airway dysfunction. In one embodiment, the throat support device further comprises a bridle. In one embodiment, the upper airway dysfunction is dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and the animal is a horse. Unlike conventional treatments involving surgery, the throat support device provides a non-invasive and convenient means of diagnosing and treating upper airway dysfunctions.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/439,242 filed on Jan. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
A system for securing an endo-tracheal tube or other medical article in position upon a patient includes a head contact member, retainer, and attachment members which can be adjustably attached between the head contact member and the retainer. Certain embodiments of the head contact member have a concave shape which follows a portion of the patient's skull and may have a rigid or flexible structure. In certain embodiments, a flexible head contact member includes straps forming a closed loop. In certain embodiment, the attachment members are integral to one or both of the head contact member and the retainer. The attachment member attaches to the retainer which grips the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.
