Devices, systems, and methods for treating disease using electrical stimulation

A device comprising:

• an elongated member for nasal insertion into a patient's pharynx, the elongated member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a biasing region between the proximal and distal portions, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the elongated member has a variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a conductive element carried by the distal portion of the elongated member and configured to be electrically coupled to an energy source for delivering electric current to nerves proximate the pharynx,
• wherein the biasing region is biased towards a straight configuration such that, when the elongated member is inserted through a nostril of the patient and the biasing region bends around the nasopharyngeal junction, the elongated member applies a restoring force that holds the conductive element in contact with a posterior region of the pharyngeal wall.

A method comprising:

• inserting an elongated member through a nostril of a patient, the elongated member comprising a first region having a first stiffness and a second region having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness;
• advancing the elongated member through the nasal cavity and into the pharynx such that a distal portion of the elongated member is positioned in the pharynx, wherein, when the distal portion is positioned in the pharynx, the first region spans a nasopharyngeal junction and the second region is positioned at or proximal of the patient's nostril;
• and
• stimulating nerves proximate the treatment site via a conductive element carried by the distal portion of the elongated member.