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84th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

08.05. - 12.05.2013, Nürnberg

Long-term efficacy and side effects of upper airway stimulation – first results after 24 months of therapy

Meeting Abstract

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German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Nürnberg, 08.-12.05.2013. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2013. Doc13hno32

doi: 10.3205/13hno32, urn:nbn:de:0183-13hno325

Published: July 30, 2013

© 2013 Maurer et al.
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Outline

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Introduction: Respiration synchronised stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve during sleep offers a treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP non-adherence. So far there are no data regarding a 2 year treatment period.

Methods: 2010 and 2011 we implanted the Inspire® system in five patients with obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP-intolerance in a feasibility trial. Subjective and objective results were assessed by questionnaires and polysomnography.

Results: Two patients could not be investigated: One moved abroad, the other did not want to show up anymore as the feasibility study was officially terminated after 6 months. Three patients could be investigated. They used the stimulation therapy daily during the entire sleep period without sleep disturbances. Neither tongue movement impairment not hypertrophy could be detected. Stimulation intensity remained constant over time. There was no increased daytime sleepiness. AHI remained normal after 24 months (3.3, 7.0 and 6.5 respectively) versus baseline (33.3, 31.0 and 30.0 respectively).

Conclusion: Regular use of upper airway stimulation can be efficacious after 24 months bearing no relevant morbidity. Long-term follow-up is necessary in a larger cohort including a control group.

This study was supported by Inspire Medical, Minnesota, USA.