A randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of proximal hypoglossal nerve stimulation, or pHGNS, (an implanted stimulation therapy targeting specific sectors of nerves in the tongue) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that pHGNS significantly reduced breathing interruptions during sleep and improved patient-reported daytime sleepiness without any significant adverse events. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an FDA-approved alternative therapy for OSA in patients who cannot tolerate nasal positive airway pressure. pHGNS has emerged as a possible treatment option for OSA that offers more stimulation of the tongue and airway muscles and easier implantation without the need for drug-induced sleep endoscopy compared to HGNS.