Original Article By: Diabetes.co.uk
Summarized By: Neurobit
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when a person's tongue drops back during sleep and blocks the airway. It is reported that a new chest implant is being used to treat sleep apnea and could provide a better night's sleep for people with this condition.
The implant works by connecting to the nerve that controls the tongue, stimulating the muscle to contract forward and keeping the tongue out of the windpipe for normal airflow. The device is used by turning it on and off with a handheld controller just before and after sleep. It is ideal for people with moderate to severe OSA who cannot use a continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machine.
Guy's and St Thomas' (GSTT) Foundation Trust in London is the first National Health Service (NHS) care provider to offer the treatment, while it is already in use in America and Europe. A consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon at GSTT has implanted the device in three individuals so far, with one reporting a significant decrease in sleep apnea episodes per hour and an improvement in sleep quality.
The treatment is not suitable for everyone and traditional treatments such as Cpap remain effective for many individuals. However, for a small group of patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea, where other treatments have failed, this new device could offer a solution.
References
Diabetes.co.uk. (2023, February 13). Chest implant innovates sleep apnea treatment. Diabetes UK. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2023/feb/chest-implant-innovates-sleep-apnea-treatment.html