Different Approaches in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: Current Evidence and Effectiveness

Saturday, October 11, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: 104

CME/MOC Credit: 1

Disclosure(s):

Benedikt Hofauer, MD:

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

Clemens Heiser, MD, PhD:

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

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has become an integral part of therapy options for obstructive sleep apnea in recent years. It is used more and more frequently around the world. In accordance with the increasing demand, there are now various systems available for stimulating the upper airway, but they differ from each other in several aspects. Some differences can be explained by the design and components, but also the surgical procedure, that is required for implantation differs from system to system. A surgical learning curve has been described, which also depends on how many systems have been implanted by one surgeon. However, an important point for the clinical outcome seems to be the different approaches to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. Different anatomic parts of the nerve are stimulated depending on the used system. Also, the dependence on the breathing cycle - continuously vs. synchronized needs to be considered. Furthermore, unilateral, or bilateral stimulation is also a distinction that must be observed. Many physicians are not familiar with these differences and its related clinical outcomes, which to a certain point remain unclear. The aim of this symposium is to point out the different approaches of the available and upcoming systems for hypoglossal nerve stimulation, discuss the existing evidence and its effectiveness, and also point out the important differences for patients and physicians.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this symposium, the participants will know the relevant differences between the approaches of the individual stimulation systems and will have seen a demonstration of the surgical procedures.
After attending this symposium, the participants will know the available published evidence on the individual systems.
After attending this symposium, the participants will get an insight into further developments in stimulation therapy.

Moderator(s)

Benedikt Hofauer, MD

Chairman
Medical University if Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria

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

Panelist(s)

Clemens Heiser, MD, PhD

Professor and ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon
Head & Neck, Sleep Center Bad Aibling
Bad Aibling, Bayern, Germany

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Maria V. Suurna, MD

Professor
University of Miami
Miami, Florida, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
OV

Olivier M. Vanderveken, MD, PhD

Professor
Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp
Edegem, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.