Who is eligible to undergo this treatment?
You must be at least 18 years old* with moderate to severe OSA (AHI between 15-100 events/hour), and with a BMI of 40 or less. Patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP are suitable candidates for this treatment. To assess your suitability for the implant, you will be required to be sedated and go through a quick procedure called drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). During DISE, your ENT doctor
will use a flexible nasoendoscope (camera) to assess how your airway collapses.
*Patients with Down Syndrome who are 13-18 years old with an AHI between 10-50 events/hour are also eligible.
What can I expect during the surgery?
The surgery takes about two hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. There will be two incisions in the chest and neck. These will be covered with a dressing which can be removed after two days.
What can I expect after the surgery?
Patients generally do not experience significant pain, but some soreness may be expected. Patients can go home on the same day of the surgery. After the surgery, patients can speak, swallow and shower as per usual and resume their regular diet. Activities such as lifting heavy weights or vigorous exercises, especially involving the upper body, should be avoided to allow time for the wounds to heal.
What are the potential side effects?
The safety profile of this device has been very good in multiple studies and real-world data. Non-serious side effects include discomfort from the stimulation, temporary tongue weakness or wound swelling/infection. Device-related side effects including device migration or failure are rare.