590641 A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) comprising an elongated conduit (50) adapted to be implanted beneath a pharyngeal wall of a pharynx. The elongated conduit having a proximal end a distal end adapted to be in communication with the pharynx bypassing an oropharynx. The elongated conduit includes a central lumen (52) extending between the proximal and distal ends and a flexible mandrel (56) insertable within the central lumen for supporting the elongated conduit as it is implanted. The flexible mandrel (56) has a length greater than or equal to the length of the conduit (50).
