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Panel Presentations

Sleep Medicine

Building a Comprehensive Upper Airway Stimulation Program: Beyond the Implant

Sunday, October 12, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Location: 136
Disclosure(s):
Robson Capasso, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Thomas M. Kaffenberger, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: "Building a Comprehensive Upper Airway Stimulation Program: Beyond the Implant" addresses practical aspects of establishing successful hypoglossal nerve stimulation programs. While surgical aspects are well-standardized, pre and post-implant care pathways can vary significantly. This panel examines key elements for program success: (1) implementing structured pre-operative psychological evaluation for select patients, (2) developing sustainable post-operative care models balancing the roles of sleep physicians, advanced practice providers, and industry representatives, (3) standardizing outcome measures, and (4) creating clear pathways for long-term patient care. We will discuss practical solutions for both academic and private practice settings, including staffing considerations, workflow optimization, and quality metrics tracking.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: 1. Discuss structured pre-operative psychological screening protocols to enhance patient selection and set appropriate therapy expectations

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: 2. Create sustainable post-implant care pathways that effectively integrate sleep medicine specialists, advanced practice providers, and industry support while maintaining appropriate clinical oversight

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: 3. Select and implement standardized outcome measures for HGNS therapy, incorporating both titration and single-amplitude efficacy studies

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Recent HGNS outcome studies reveal variations in post-implant care models and success reporting methods. As implant volumes grow, standardizing care pathways and defining clear roles for all team members and long-term viability has become essential.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : The session addresses unique needs of comprehensive otolaryngologists managing HGNS programs within busy practices. The proposed frameworks offer practical solutions for comprehensive care pathways while discussing quality and optimization with industry partners and sleep medicine.

    Moderator(s)

  • RC

    Robson Capasso, MD

    Professor
    Stanford University
    Palo Alto, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Julianna G. Rodin, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Thomas M. Kaffenberger, MD

    Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
    University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
    Pittsburgh, PA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Colin T. Huntley, MD

    Associate Professor
    Thomas Jefferson University
    Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.