Implantable device for sleep apnea

Researchers at the University of California have designed a device to help those who suffer from sleep apnea. In sleep apnea, the tongue can block the airway, causing you to wake up. This device is implanted near the clavicle, and has a stimulation lead positioned near the airway. During each breath, the device delivers slight stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. This stimulation restores tone the the muscles at the base of the tongue, helping to keep the airway open, giving the patient a chance for uninterrupted sleep.

There are some current treatments for OSA, but most are uncomfortable, and the majority of patients do not stick with the treatments. This implantable device could make treatment of OSA much more comfortable and effective. If this goes into production, patients would carry a remote to turn the device on whenever they want to sleep.

I chose this article because, as a biomedical engineer, I find implantable devices very interesting; it's incredible to see what seem to be futuristic ideas becoming reality.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-implantable-device-apnea.html