Palatoglossus Muscle Stimulation for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Summary A Vanderbilt researcher has developed a device to stimulate the in order to treat sleep apnea. This has the potential to treat patients who have failed to succeed with current sleep apnea treatments. Addressed Need Hypoglossal stimulation (HNS) has been established as an effective form of treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate positive airway pressure. HNS works by stiffening the muscles to increase pharyngeal airway size. However, patients with significant retropalatal airway collapse are not candidates for HNS offered in the US. This new treatment would provide these patients with an alternative therapy method to combat sleep apnea. Unique Features  Electrical stimulation of the nerve to the palatoglossus muscle  Potential to dilate retropalatal space and reduce obstructive sleep apnea  Can treat patients who may be unsuccessful with other sleep apnea treatments Technology Description The palatoglossus muscle forms the anterior tonsillar pillar. It approximates the tongue and , sealing off the oral cavity and dilating the retropalatal space. This muscle is innervated by branches of the pharyngeal plexus and functions independently of the innervating the remaining tongue musculature. Electrical stimulation of the nerve to the palatoglossus muscle has the potential to dilate the retropalatal space and reduce the burden of obstructive sleep apnea. Technology Development Status The treatment process has been designed, and physiological studies are pending. Cadaveric studies are being completed to evaluate the accessibility of the palatoglossus muscle through the neck. Intellectual Property Status A patent application has been filed.

CTTC CONTACT: INVENTORS: VU REFERENCE: VU 18051 Chris Harris, PhD David T. Kent, M.D. (615) 343-4433 Director of Sleep Surgery Visit http://cttc.co/technologies for available [email protected] Vanderbilt Sleep Center Vanderbilt technologies for partnering