Study of Ansa Cervicalis and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation to Improve Airway in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What this Trial Is About

Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA is a disorder where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during breathing in sleep, partly due to reduced muscle control. This trial evaluates the effects of stimulating the ansa cervicalis nerve alone and combined with hypoglossal nerve stimulation HNS to improve airway openness. The study aims to understand how these nerve stimulations affect airway function during sleep and drug-induced sedation. Participants will undergo drug-induced sleep endoscopy DISE and a polysomnography PSG sleep study while using a Grass S88 muscle stimulator device. Fine-wire electrodes will be inserted into muscles and nerves of the neck and tongue area to deliver stimulation. The study will observe how this stimulation impacts airflow, airway size, muscle activity, and breathing effort during approximately 15 minutes of DISE and 8 hours of natural sleep during PSG. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored with multiple recordings including airflow, EEG, EKG, eye movement, muscle activity, respiratory effort, and video during sleep. Researchers will measure airway diameter, airflow, pressure changes, and respiratory effort to assess the physiological effects. The amount of electrical current needed for stimulation will also be recorded. The total study duration and follow-up details are aligned with the procedures during DISE and PSG sessions.

Ansa Cervicalis and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in OSA