Changes in breath cycle sensing affect outcomes in upper airway stimulation in sleep apnea

Background: Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is a well-established therapy option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Aims: There are no data on whether respiratory sensing contributes to successful UAS therapy.

Materials & methods: After initial measurements of 3 implanted patients (M1), the sensing signal was inverted (M2) without changing other parameters. Two weeks later, the signal was converted back again, and the sensitivity of breathing cycle detection was turned to a very low state (M3).

Results: At M2 and M3, the apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index increased.

Discussion: Correct respiratory sensing is important for controlling OSA using UAS.

Conclusions: Therefore, implant centers should should optimize respiratory sensing placement and adjustment.