Ear, nose, & throat journal
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Management of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea patients may include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a surgical operation that occasionally generates complications. The most serious are perioperative airway problems and palatal dysfunction. Strategies to minimize risks and maximize efficacy are discussed.
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Neurostimulation of the upper airway muscles (accessory muscles of respiration) was accomplished in anesthetized dogs and sleeping humans by electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves. Such stimulations relieved partial airway obstructions in dogs. ⋯ In one subject, stimulations delivered in advance of apneic events (by automatic cycling) prevented apneas. Neurostimulation for obstructive sleep apnea may be an important concept for future research and development.