Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Prog Neurol Surg. 2015 Sep;29:94-105 Authors: Mwenge GB, Rombaux P, Lengele B, Rodenstein D Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very frequent affliction that affects about 1-5% of the adult population in its severe form. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used treatment and is highly effective, but its use is limited by low long-term adherence rates and overall poor acceptance among the patients. Therefore, there is a need for developing alternative approaches to OSA treatment, including a more 'natural' concept of maintaining an open airway through neuromodulation. Here we review the concept, scientific rationale, and technical details of hypoglossal nerve stimulation. We also review results of published clinical studies with several hypoglossal stimulation devices that are being investigated today. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation appears to be a very promising treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. If its efficacy is confirmed, it will probably be complementary with CPAP therapy and initially aimed at patients unable or unwilling to use CPAP. Once it becomes a standard therapy, its advantages might prove sufficient to challenge CPAP as the first-line therapy. PMID: 26394258 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Progress in Neurological Surgery - Category: Neurosurgery Tags: Prog Neurol Surg Source Type: research