Nerve stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Who will desire upper airway stimulation as a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in the Japanese patient population?

“…Upper airway stimulation (UAS) may be one such alternative for preventing upper airway collapse [6]. The concept of UAS was proposed over 30 years ago [7], but UAS via hypoglossal nerve stimulation recently came into use clinically and will be available in Japan.…”

“…The concept of UAS was proposed over 30 years ago [7], but UAS via hypoglossal nerve stimulation recently came into use clinically and will be available in Japan. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation aims to provide electrical stimulation through the programmable generator implanted subcutaneously on the chest wall to activate the muscles to keep the upper airway open during sleep without wearing a nasal/oronasal mask and any other oral appliances [6]. In the US and European countries, UAS using a hypoglossal nerve stimulation device has been approved for several years, and the efficacy of UAS was prominent, especially in less obese patients.…”

“…In the US and European countries, UAS using a hypoglossal nerve stimulation device has been approved for several years, and the efficacy of UAS was prominent, especially in less obese patients. [6] As patients do not need to wear masks and oral appliances during sleep, adherence may not be an issue with UAS. Thus, UAS can be an effective alternative, especially in patients with OSA who failed to comply with CPAP and MAD treatment.…”

Several new treatment strategies have become available for patients with sleep disordered breathing

“…Sleep and Biological Rhythms has started a review series designated as The Frontiers in Sleep Medicine. The first manuscript in the series is "Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea" by Strohl et al [1]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment usually is the first or standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).…”

“…In the near future, the HNS device will be available under the health insurance system in Japan, the first country in Asia. Since the HNS device will be available in Japan, the review in this issue by Strohl et al will be useful to sleep clinicians and researchers in Japan and other Asian countries [1]. Recently, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial reported that the combination of atomoxetine and oxybutynin reduced OSA severity [3].…”