Hypoglossal nerve stimulation in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

This paper deals with Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) or, more specifically, Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) which affects the population, mainly in the age range of 40–65 years. This syndrome not only has a very negative impact on the sleep of patients, but it can lead to death if not properly treated. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an efficient treatment for SAS, but it is uncomfortable for patients. Consequently, there is a significant need for additional therapeutic alternatives for patients suffering of SAS. Hypoglossal nerve (HGN) stimulation is under investigation by several research groups as a possible therapeutic alternative. After dealing with studies, we have compared all devices that show the decrease of the intrathoracic pressure values in the phase of the detection of apnea event. However, the increased negative measurement of esophageal pressure (Pes) was an accurate solution for the detection of SAS (>3.5 cmH 2 O). According to the stimulation of HGN, it requires values range between 33–38 Hz for decrease pharyngeal collapsibility.