Cardiometabolic Risk Effects of Short-term Cessation of Neurostimulation Therapy

Cardiometabolic Risk Effects of Short-term Cessation of Effective Neurostimulation Therapy in OSA

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an implantable therapy that treats obstructive sleep apnea.

The study will evaluate the effect of this treatment on cardiovascular and metabolism-related measures to see if it affects patients' risk of medical problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-speaking adults (18+ years) who have met surgical efficacy criteria with HGNS, as defined by at least a 50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to <20 (with hypopneas defined by 4% oxyhemoglobin desaturations)
• Have been using HGNS therapy for at least 3 months and used HGNS for >20 hours/week during the past 4 weeks
• Were not using any OSA therapy for at least one month prior to HGNS activation or have had a one-month period of untreated OSA after HGNS activation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic use of opiate medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol dependency
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Shift workers, heavy machinery operators, or commercial drivers
• History of severe excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score >16 at time of screening or prior to HGNS), motor vehicle accidents or near-miss incidents due to drowsy driving within the year prior to enrollment
• Significant cardiopulmonary (such as home oxygen requirement), liver, renal, or oncologic disease; neurodegenerative disease; active or recent history of an eating disorder (within the last 5 years)
• Inability to provide informed consent