Swindon's Great Western Hospital is among a select group of five trusts in the United States now offering a novel surgical treatment for sleep apnea. This new therapy provides a crucial second option for patients struggling with the condition, particularly those who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, the standard first-line treatment.
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Symptoms can include frequent awakenings, loud snoring, and gasping or choking sounds. Individuals with untreated sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances.
The newly implemented treatment, known as hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), involves surgically implanting a small device that monitors breathing patterns. When it detects pauses in breathing, it sends a mild electrical impulse to the nerve that controls tongue movement. This stimulation causes the tongue to move forward slightly, opening the airway during sleep.
Catherine Turnbull, an early recipient of the treatment, expressed her gratitude, stating she no longer dreads bedtime. "Having read about HGNS, the implanted treatment for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, Turnbull said she was 'extremely grateful' to have been chosen as one of the first patients to have the device fitted," the BBC reported. The device is activated nightly by the patient using a remote control that resembles a computer mouse.
Joseph Sinnott, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Great Western Hospital, clarified that while CPAP remains the primary treatment, HGNS is a viable alternative for patients experiencing significant difficulties with CPAP. He noted that the treatment is available only under strict inclusion criteria and is reserved for extreme cases, with only a few patients per month expected to receive it at the hospital.
Worldwide, approximately 125,000 individuals have undergone the HGNS surgery, with the treatment having been primarily rolled out across Europe and the United States. The surgical procedure involves implanting a generator in the patient's chest, with a lead extending to the nerve responsible for forward tongue propulsion. This mechanism ensures the airway remains open throughout sleep.