Stimulation Ultimately Prevails

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of neuromodulation in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Various forms of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) have been researched, and one commercially available form of stimulation was approved for treatment of moderate to severe OSA by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014. Because of the novelty of this treatment and subgroup responsiveness, inclusion and exclusion criteria have been developed. The treatment is reserved for select patients who have been deemed to fail or are intolerant of positive airway pressure therapy. The nature of the therapy requires multidisciplinary care from both otolaryngology and sleep medicine specialists. Of the available outcome data, the therapy is effective at not only reducing the severity of OSA but also improving patient-reported outcomes of daytime sleepiness and quality of life.