Randomized Controlled Withdrawal Study of Upper Airway Stimulation on OSA: Short‐ and Long‐term Effect

Abstract

Withdrawal of therapeutic upper airway stimulation results in worsening of both objective and subjective measures of sleep and breathing, which when resumed results in sustained effect at 18 months. Reduction of obstructive sleep apnea severity and improvement of quality of life were attributed directly to the effects of the electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve.