Abstract
Introduction
Upper airway stimulation (UAS) with electric activation of the hypo-glossal nerve has emerged as a promising treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Objective
To retrospectively analyze objective and subjective outcome measures after long-term follow-up in obstructive sleep apnea patients receiving upper airway stimulation.
Methods
An observational retrospective single-center cohort study including a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea receiving upper airway stimulation.
Results
Twenty-five patients were included. The total median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) significantly decreased from 37.4 to 8.7 events per hour at the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The surgical success rate was 96%. Adverse events were reported by 28% of the patients.
Conclusion
Upper airway stimulation is an effective and safe treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure or intolerance. However, it is possible that the existing in and exclusion criteria for UAS therapy in the Netherlands have positively influenced our results.
Keywords
obstructive sleep apnea; hypoglossal nerve; implantable neurostimulators; electric stimulation therapy; patient satisfaction; treatment outcome