Verse T, Schwalb J, Hörmann K, Stuck BA, Maurer JT. [Submental transcutaneous electrical stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea].
HNO 2003;
51:966-70. [PMID:
14647925 DOI:
10.1007/s00106-003-0842-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation while asleep has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although without convincing results. Modern strategies consist of electrical muscle training for a number of weeks during wakefulness rather than stimulation during sleep.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the practicability, safety, and efficacy of a new device, SilentOne (Imperpuls, Chemnitz, Germany).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Fifteen patients with various degrees of OSA used transcutaneous submental electrical stimulation therapy for 4-5 weeks every day, day and night. A patient's diary recorded practicability and potential adverse events. Respiratory parameters were recorded by fully attended polysomnography in the sleep lab. Daytime sleepiness and snoring were assessed by questionnaires.
RESULTS
The apnea-hypopnea-index decreased from 29.2 before to 21.2 after therapy (P<0.05). Daytime sleepiness improved significantly (P<0.01) as did snoring (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy using SilentOne proved to be safe, easy to use, and potent. However, therapy showed a limited cure rate.
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