Frontiers in Neuroscience (Sep 2017)

Development of a Clinical Pathway and Technical Aspects of Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Olivier M. Vanderveken,
  • Olivier M. Vanderveken,
  • Olivier M. Vanderveken,
  • Jolien Beyers,
  • Jolien Beyers,
  • Sara Op de Beeck,
  • Sara Op de Beeck,
  • Marijke Dieltjens,
  • Marijke Dieltjens,
  • Marc Willemen,
  • Johan A. Verbraecken,
  • Johan A. Verbraecken,
  • Wilfried A. De Backer,
  • Wilfried A. De Backer,
  • Paul H. Van de Heyning,
  • Paul H. Van de Heyning,
  • Paul H. Van de Heyning

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00523
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease with high morbidity and related mortality. Narrowing and collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep characterize the disease, resulting in a decrease (hypopnea) or a complete cessation (apnea) of oronasal airflow. Upper airway stimulation (UAS), using electrical neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve (n. XII) synchronized with ventilation, is a novel, evolving treatment option. UAS was found to be an effective treatment in CPAP-intolerant patients. The treatment success is partly due to the strict selection of the patients, based on previous findings. Furthermore, post-operative follow-up is needed in order to maintain or improve treatment outcome. Therefore, a clinical pathway, which provides structure and standardization, is crucial. In this paper, the aim is to discuss the technical aspects of UAS therapy and to describe a clinical pathway to organize the care process of UAS for OSA in a structured and standardized way.

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