First subject evaluated with simulated BION treatment in genioglossus to prevent obstructive sleep apnea.

We are using percutaneous electrical stimulation to simulate BION activation of posterior genioglossus during sleep to prevent occurrences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with OSA due to tongue prolapse are recruited in this ongoing clinical study for an overnight session in a sleep laboratory. Bipolar hooked wires are inserted percutaneously into the tongue muscle, from under the chin at midline, and used for neuromuscular stimulation. Data are collected with polysomnography and analyzed to compare the efficacy of proposed treatment to conventional CPAP or the untreated state. Encouraging preliminary results from the first study participant are described.