Transcutaneous electrical stimulation in obstructive sleep apnoea: current developments and concepts of the TESLA-home programme

Ebrahim Nasser, Deeban Ratneswaran*, Abdulaziz Alsharifi, Adrian J. Williams, Joerg Steier

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of reviewObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition affecting about 1 billion people worldwide. The first line therapy for most patients with OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. However, there are significant limitations with long-term adherence to CPAP therapy, which may be as low as 30-60%.Recent findingElectrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve has been studied in recent years. It achieves upper airway patency by causing a contraction of the genioglossus muscle, the strongest dilator of the upper airway, and by maintaining its neuromuscular tone in the asleep patient with OSA. Electrical stimulation can be delivered invasively, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS), and noninvasively, transcutaneous electrical stimulation in OSA (TESLA). However, randomised controlled trials, the STAR and the TESLA trial, have provided promising results on efficacy and safety of the methods.SummaryPatient and public involvement underlines the interest in TESLA and HNS and highlights the need to provide non-CPAP therapeutic options to those who may find it difficult to cope with first line therapies. The relatively low costs and the favourable safety profile of the TESLA approach provide the chance to offer this treatment to patients with OSA following further development of the evidence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)529-536
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
Volume28
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • continuous positive airway pressure
  • hypoglossal nerve stimulation
  • noncontinuous positive airway pressure
  • obstructive sleep apnoea

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