The reversible
procedure is a rela-
tively simpler treat-
ment option than
the standard surgi-
cal options. The
surgery involves
making a small
incision in the
throat to place the
electrode around
the hypoglossal
nerve. Although it's a very delicate procedure, patients can go home
the same day and recover quickly.
Although nerve stimulation is not a cure-all treatment for OSA —
it's reportedly effective in about 60% of patients — it has caused
experts to reconsider the use of more invasive surgery to address the
condition.
"The thinking will change when more studies show the long-term
benefit of the procedure," says Dr. Friedman. "It's the better treatment
option, but change is always slow to occur."
Exciting times in ENT
Manufacturers have covered all of ENT's bases with new advances for
the ear (inner ear access), nose (virtual reality navigation for sinus
surgery) and throat (sleep apnea implant). It all spells better patient
care for your ENT patients — and exciting times for your head and
neck surgeons.
OSM
1 0 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8
• PACEMAKER FOR THE TONGUE The Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation system's surgi-
cally implanted pulse generator sends a signal to the hypoglossal nerve to control tongue
movement through a stimulation lead.
Inspire
Medical
Systems
