Treatment of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea With a Domestic Implantable Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator: A Case Report

Background Implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is an established neuromodulatory therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, no domestically developed HNS system has been clinically implemented in China to date. Methods We report the first clinical implantation of a novel, Chinese‐developed HNS system in a patient with severe OSA. The patient was a 39‐year‐old man with a 20‐year history of nocturnal snoring and apnea. Preoperative polysomnography (PSG) demonstrated an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of 46.3 events per hour and a lowest oxygen saturation of 83%. The device selectively activates the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve, which induces genioglossus contraction and anterior tongue displacement, thereby stabilizing the upper airway during sleep. Results The procedure was successfully performed. At short‐term follow‐up, the patient showed marked improvements: AHI decreased from 46.3 to 11.8 events/hour, LSaO 2 increased from 83% to 86%, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Score improved from 1 to 0. No adverse events occurred. Conclusions This first‑in‑human experience confirms that the domestic HNS system is feasible, safe, and clinically effective in patient with severe OSA who is intolerant to CPAP. These preliminary results support further clinical development and validation of this domestically manufactured HNS technology for broader application in China.