How do new surgical options help in severe cases of sleep apnea?

Severe sleep apnea can be treated with new surgical options that help keep the airway open. One option is maxillomandibular advancement surgery, which involves moving the upper and lower jaw forward. This creates more space in the airway, making it easier to breathe during sleep.

Another option is hypoglossal nerve stimulation. This involves a small device implanted in the chest that stimulates a nerve controlling the tongue. By doing this, the tongue stays out of the airway while sleeping, preventing blockages.

Upper airway stimulation is another technique where a device helps the muscles around the airway stay open by sending gentle signals. This can be helpful for people who cannot use traditional treatments like CPAP machines.

These surgeries can be very effective for people with severe sleep apnea, especially when other treatments do not work. They can help improve sleep quality and overall health by reducing the number of times breathing stops during sleep.