Mount Sinai sleep surgeons (Lin, Chou, Tsai) perform a large number of hypoglossal nerve stimulators for obstructive sleep apnea. In order to be a candidate for this procedure, the primary area of obstruction should be the back of the tongue, or tongue base. There is a device in the chest much like a pacemaker with a stimulator lead that wraps around the hypoglossal nerve and a sensing lead in the intercostal muscles. When a patient breathes in, the sensing lead communicates with the stimulation lead, causing the tongue to protrude and relieving the anatomic obstruction. Other treatment for sleep apnea includes cervical pillows, mouthguards, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), and maxillomandibular advancement among others.
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The Mount Sinai Otolaryngology Surgical Video Series was edited by Dr. Zachary Schwam.
