A system and method for maintaining a patent paranasal sinus ostium includes delivering a tubular element in an insertion state to the sinus ostium. The tubular element includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a center region between the proximal end and the distal end. The method includes expanding the tubular element from the insertion state to a deployment state when the tubular element is located in the sinus ostium. In the deployment state, the center region confronts the sinus ostium with an outward radial force. Other embodiments are disclosed.