Addressing the Tone and Synchrony Issue During Sleep: Pacing the Hypoglossal Nerve

Upper airway stimulation is a novel therapy for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea who are incompliant toward continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of this therapy with regard to the treatment of disordered breathing, subjective daytime impairment, and its effect on sleep characteristics has increased. Information on the subjective sensation of the stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve could be gathered as more patients are implanted and knowledge of different aspects of the therapy is increasing. Comparisons between upper airway stimulation therapy and other surgical treatment options have been conducted. The surgical technique could be further optimized.