Introduction

In an exciting advancement for sleep apnoea treatment, patients in the UK have undergone a groundbreaking procedure involving an app-controlled implant that stimulates the tongue's nerves to improve breathing during sleep. This innovative approach was recently initiated at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), marking a significant milestone in the fight against this prevalent condition.

The Impact of Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea affects an estimated 8 million individuals in the UK, with obstructive sleep apnoea being the most common form. This disorder occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse and obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to symptoms such as loud snoring, choking, and frequent awakenings. The impact of sleep apnoea on quality of life can be profound, contributing to daytime fatigue, increased risk of cardiovascular issues, and diminished overall health.

The Innovative Procedure

The procedure to implant the Nyxoah Genio device takes about three hours and offers a new alternative for patients who may struggle with traditional treatments. The implant is designed to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, which governs the muscles of the tongue, helping to keep the airway open while the patient sleeps. An alternative option available to patients is the Inspire implant, further increasing choices for tailored sleep apnoea treatment.

Patient Experience

Natalie Boller, a 63-year-old patient who was among the first to receive the Genio implant, reported feeling improved within days of the surgery. Boller expressed optimism about returning to a more active lifestyle that her previous exhaustion had hindered.

Expert Insight

Dr. Ryan Chin Taw Cheong, a consultant ENT and sleep surgeon at UCLH, is confident in the potential of this technology. He stated, “I’m very optimistic about the way things are moving, and I hope to make this implant widely accessible for the appropriate patients.” He emphasized the clinic's commitment to providing patients with the most advanced treatment options available globally.

The Procedure

During the procedure, surgeons made a small incision below the chin to access and carefully stimulate the nerves that control tongue movement. The implant is easy to operate, as it comes with an external chip attached to the patient's chin with an adhesive patch when they go to bed. Patients can adjust the stimulation levels and monitor their sleep patterns through a dedicated smartphone app, allowing for a personalized treatment experience.

Eligibility for the Implant

Eligibility for the implant includes criteria such as having moderate to severe sleep apnoea, a body mass index (BMI) under 35, and prior experience with CPAP machines, which can often be uncomfortable for users. As UCLH leads the way in innovative sleep apnoea treatments, Dr. Cheong and his team aim to ensure that patients can confidently access state-of-the-art solutions for better sleep and improved health.

Conclusion

This progressive approach not only heralds hope for those suffering from sleep apnoea but potentially changes the landscape of sleep medicine in the UK. The successful implementation of nerve-stimulating implants could well pave the way for new treatment modalities that prioritize patient comfort and efficacy.