Medical devices, systems, methods, and kits for the medialization of a vocal cord are described. An embodiment of a medical device comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate body extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The elongate body defines a thread extending from the proximal portion and the distal portion.

The present invention relates to devices used in the management of bodily airways including tracheostomy tubes, laryngectomy tubes, bronchial stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, and nasal stents. The devices may comprise a protective coating to prevent the accumulation of mucus, crusting and granulation on or around airway management devices, as well as prevent adhesion to tissues which can cause bleeding upon removal, and prevent build-up of blood, or blood clots, to the stent.

Disclosed is an occluding stent. The occluding stent includes a distal flange occluding body, a proximal flange occluding body, and a connection portion. External surfaces of the distal flange occluding body and the proximal flange occluding body are both provided with a coating. An external surface of the connection portion is wholly or partially provided with a coating. A first occluding coating is provided between the distal flange occluding body and an inner cavity of the connection portion. The present invention overcomes the defect that the existing occluder device for closure of an esophagobronchial fistula is harmful to surrounding tissues, makes the device retractable, enhances the safety of the device, and improves life and treatment of patients. A new safe and effective treatment method for an esophagobronchial fistula is provided.

A device for sealing a fistula includes a first flange for orienting against a first wall of the fistula, a second flange for orienting against a second wall of the fistula, and at least one stem coupling the first and second flanges. Illustratively, the at least one stem is elastomeric. The stem(s) exhibit(s) an elongation of greater than about. 6 mm/N of force applied between the first and second flanges in the range of elongation of about 0 mm to about 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively illustratively, the stem(s) comprise(s) (an) elastomeric tube(s) including (a) wall section(s) having a varying radius along its (their) length(s). Additionally or alternatively illustratively, the stem(s) pass(es) through (respective) opening(s) provided in at least one of the first and second flanges to permit adjustment of the location of at least one of the first and second flanges along the length of the stem(s).

An artificial epiglottis is provided that includes a membrane-like piezoelectric element that bends depending on a voltage; and a first driving electrode that applies the voltage to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is structurally configured to be disposed on a larynx. Based on the applied voltage, the piezoelectric element bends to either a first shape in which an entrance of a trachea is blocked or to a second shape in which the entrance of the trachea is opened.