Abstract
Program Description:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly affects sleep, daytime function, quality of life, public safety, and cardiovascular risk. Although positive pressure remains the primary treatment, suboptimal adherence rates necessitate alternative treatment strategies. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a new and emerging treatment option with published prospective clinical trial data. Sleep-boarded otolaryngologists will review the physiology and basic science of upper airway stimulation, demonstrate the current technology and surgical procedure, present safety and efficacy data from recent multicenter clinical trials, and discuss patient selection and cost-effectiveness. A panel will explore future directions and the advantages/disadvantages of this technology as it compares to other sleep apnea treatment options.
Educational Objectives:
(1) Examine the pathophysiology of OSA with a particular focus on the neuromuscular control mechanisms. (2) Interpret the basic science and feasibility studies on hypoglossal nerve stimulation and describe the current technology and surgical procedure. (3) Report the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness data from published prospective multicenter clinical trials.
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