Detection and relief of upper airway obstruction in a dog model

Electrical stimulation of upper airway (UAW) muscles has been proposed as a treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Particular emphasis has been placed on the stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve in order to activate the genioglossus muscle, the main tongue protrusor. In this paper, we first present evidence that a recording electrode placed on the hypoglossal nerve can detect the onset of the obstruction with a short delay. We also show that selective activation of the various muscles involved in controlling the upper airways can be achieved using the Flat Interface Nerve Electrode. The data demonstrate the feasibility of the closed-loop stimulation of the HG nerve using its activity as the feedback signal.