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Upper-Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is characterized by the presence of

cessation of the airways during sleep. It is a condition wherein the diaphragm is forced to work

harder to be able to open the airway and in so doing, pull air into the lungs. As a result, breathing

usually resumes with a loud gasp, a snort, or a body jerk.

This study focuses on the clinical safety and effectiveness of upper airway stimulation in

the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, for patients who are not responding

well to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Using the apnea-hypopnea index

(AHI), the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Functional

Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and the percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation

<90%, the researchers were able to find that the mean AHI score of those who received CPAP are

decreased by 68%, which concluded that upper airway stimulation was able to significantly

improve obstructive sleep apnea.

I think that this study was able to add to the body of knowledge and that the results are

particularly important, because it shows that with compliance to treatment, it is possible to

improve the quality of life of a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, it also

confirms the importance of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in the treatment of

obstructive sleep apnea and it clinical safety.

References:

"Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome". WebMD. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Dec. 2016.

Strollo, Patrick et al. "Upper-Airway Stimulation For Obstructive Sleep Apnea". New England
Journal of Medicine 371.6 (2014): 584-584. Web.