Singapore General Hospital Introduces Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Sleep Apnea

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is now offering hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This new therapy aims to provide an alternative for individuals who do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices or for whom traditional surgical interventions have not been effective.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to breathing pauses. SGH notes that a significant percentage of OSA patients, between 60-70%, reject or are non-compliant with CPAP due to discomfort. Standard surgical procedures designed to open the airway often fail to address the underlying issue of poor muscle tone in the upper airway, a key factor in OSA.

The HGNS system involves implanting a pulse generator and a stimulation lead that targets the hypoglossal nerve. When activated by the patient before sleep, the device delivers mild electrical stimulation to the nerve controlling tongue movement. This stimulation causes the tongue to advance, which in turn moves the soft palate forward, thereby widening and stabilizing the upper airway during sleep.

The implantation procedure is performed under general anesthesia. SGH suggests that HGNS offers a durable treatment with positive outcomes for patients who have not found relief with other methods. The introduction of this therapy seeks to improve the quality of life for OSA patients and reduce associated health risks.