Sleep apnea is the term used to describe brief periods of breathing cessation during sleep. The temporary loss of oxygen causes a slight arousal (not necessarily a full awakening) that opens the airways. An apnea episode lasts for at least 10 seconds and can occur hundreds of times a night.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates the condition affects about 12 million Americans. It occurs when the upper airways are temporarily obstructed, blocking the flow of air into and out of the lungs. The muscles in the throat relax and eventually collapse. Obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids and anatomical abnormalities increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have stopped breathing. Potential signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep and frequent nighttime urination. The condition can also have an effect during waking hours, causing excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, problems with memory and concentration, irritability and mood disturbances. Sleepiness during the day is associated with an increased risk for motor vehicle accidents. Research also shows obstructive sleep apnea can also increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A common method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a ventilating machine that delivers pressurized air through a face mask. The force of the air keeps the airway open while the patient sleeps. CPAP is not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea, and some people find the system cumbersome. But it is currently the most effective method of non-surgical treatment for patients with serious symptoms.

The Advance™ System

Doctors are testing another treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, called the Advance™ System (by Aspire Medical, Inc). B. Tucker Woodson, M.D., an Otolaryngologist with Medical College of Wisconsin, says in some patients, airway blockage occurs when the tongue muscle relaxes during sleep and falls back towards the top of the throat. The Advance System works like a tether for the tongue.

The new system has three components: a tissue anchor, the tether and a bone anchor. First, the tissue anchor is inserted into the tongue and held in place with tiny barbs. Next, the bone anchor is screwed into the jaw, under the chin. Finally, a tether, or cord, is connected to the two implants, tied and tightened. Insertion of the Advance system is a minor surgical procedure that takes about 20 minutes. It can be done under general or local anesthesia. Patients come back two to three weeks after placement to have the tension of the tether adjusted.

Currently, the Advance System is being tested in clinical trials. Although it's not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea, Woodson says European doctors report significant improvement in patients' symptoms. He says the treatment appears to be a good option for patients with mild symptoms (who usually aren't good candidates for CPAP or surgery).

In addition to the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Advance Trial is taking place at three other U.S. sites:

Northside Hospital/Advanced Ear Nose and Throat Associates, Atlanta, GA

St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis, IN

University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Although the study is still ongoing, researchers are no longer seeking participants. For information log onto http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, then type the trial identification number in the search box: NCT00467324.

For information on the trial, log onto http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, then type the trial identification number in the search box: NCT00467324. Information on the technology is available from the company at http://www.aspiremedical.com

For information on sleep apnea:

American Sleep Apnea Association

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

National Sleep Foundation