Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Medical, Surgical, and Technical Aspects

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with heavy snoring is a common disorder, affecting more than 1 out of 10 adults, and is closely associated with hypertension, heart disease, stroke, depression, and cognitive decline. Upper airway stimulation therapy is a novel, highly effective alternative method of treatment, involving a surgically implanted device that uses electrical stimulation of muscles to expand the upper airway, thereby addressing the primary cause of OSA. The first of its kind, Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a comprehensive review of the medical, surgical, and technical aspects of this innovative treatment for OSA. It delves into the current state of knowledge regarding upper airway stimulation, reviewing pathophysiological basis of sleep apnea and the specific mechanism by which upper airway stimulation provides airway support in this disorder. Evidence-based, this book provides practical guidelines for patient selection, clinical outcomes, surgical technique, long-term follow-up and adverse events, as well as for developing an upper airway stimulation program.