Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a new medical implant that could revolutionize the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Patients with this disorder experience frequent pauses in breathing during sleep due to relaxation of the throat and palate muscles, leading to airway obstruction. This manifests as loud snoring and sudden awakenings due to choking. Over time, this disorder can cause significant strain on the heart, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
Traditional treatments rely on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a mask that pumps air to keep the airway open, but many patients find it difficult to tolerate.
In this context, researchers have introduced a new implant known as proximal hypoglossal nerve stimulation (pHGNS), a small device implanted under the skin in the upper chest. A thin wire connects it to a nerve in the neck responsible for tongue movement. When activated before sleep, the device sends mild electrical pulses that stimulate the tongue muscles and airway, helping to keep it open during sleep and preventing obstruction.
The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and is roughly the same size as a pacemaker, and is easier to install compared to previous versions.
In a clinical trial involving 104 adults with moderate obstructive sleep apnea, participants were divided into two groups: one group received active treatment one month after implantation, and another whose devices remained inactive for seven months.
The results showed a clear improvement in the group that received treatment, as episodes of apnea decreased in more than 58% of patients, oxygen saturation levels and daytime sleepiness improved significantly, and fatigue levels decreased from pathological to normal in a large number of them.
The average number of episodes of apnea decreased from severe to mild during the study period, with no serious complications reported. Side effects were limited and mild, such as implant site pain, temporary headache, or slight tongue discomfort in a small percentage of patients.
After the device was subsequently operated by the control group, their results also improved, which enhanced the overall effectiveness of the technology.
The researchers concluded that this implant represents a promising and safe option for patients unable to use a CPAP machine, but stressed the need for longer studies to assess its long-term impact, particularly with regard to preventing serious complications such as heart disease and strokes.
