Upper airway stimulation therapy: A novel approach to managing obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES: Review the role of upper airway stimulation (UAS) therapy in the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed of PubMed and Medline using the search terms clinical trial; obstructive sleep apnea; upper airway stimulation; hypoglossal stimulation; hypoglossal nerve; Inspire; and ImThera. REVIEW METHODS: All published clinical trials of currently available devices were reviewed. Unpublished data were excluded. RESULTS: UAS therapy results in surgical success (AHI decrease of >50% and overall AHI <= 20) in 66% of implanted subjects. In addition, UAS therapy results in significant improvement in daytime sleepiness, snoring, and sleep-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: UAS therapy is a valid alternative for select patients with moderate to severe OSA who are unsuccessful users of CPAP therapy. Laryngoscope, 126:S5-S8, 2016.