CPAP alternative? Implantable neurostimulator reduced apnea severity

The findings by Strollo et al. give clinicians the rationale to consider hypoglossal nerve stimulation for selected patients who have trouble with CPAP therapy, said Dr. Atul Malhotra.

Given the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea, a substantial proportion of patients would probably benefit from this treatment, even though symptoms were only reduced rather than completely eradicated. "Although the elimination of apnea would clearly be desirable, the observed reductions are probably similar to the benefits observed with CPAP, particularly when one considers the variability of adherence to CPAP therapy," he said.

Dr. Atul Malhotra is in the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of California, San Diego. He reported previous ties to Philips Respironics, Apnex, and Apnicure. These remarks were taken from his editorial accompanying Dr. Strollo’s report (N. Engl. J. Med. 2014 [doi:10.1056/NEJMe1314084]).