12 Jun Pacemaker Type Device Is Option For Sleep Apnea Patients Who Don’t Tolerate CPAP

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Richard Schwab

Richard J. Schwab, MD
Professor, Department of Medicine
Division of Sleep Medicine
Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division
Co-Director, Penn Sleep Center
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Schwab: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a pacemaker (a tiny generator and a sensing lead) placed in the right side of the chest, but instead of using electrical pulses to control the heart, the device stimulates the hypoglossal nerve which is the nerve that controls the motion of the tongue. Patients use a remote control to turn on the device before going to sleep and turn it off upon waking up. Stimulation of the tongue moves the tongue forward which enlarges the upper airway.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Dr. Schwab: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a new treatment for sleep apnea. Our data suggest that hypoglossal nerve stimulation can effectively treat patients with sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Schwab: Many patients with sleep apnea are unable to tolerate CPAP. Such patients should be evaluated for an oral appliance, pharyngeal surgery or hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

SLEEP 2016 abstract:

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA: Initial Results at the University of Pennsylvania

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on June 12, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD