An Future Treatment Option for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
The Restera innovative solution involves the use of a small implant, only 1.5 mm wide, which is currently undergoing clinical trials. This implant is designed with a linear electrode array, comprising four different electrodes that can be combined to create a customisable electrical field. The procedure for inserting the implant involves the use of ultrasound guidance to place the electrode near a targeted nerve. Once the surgeon is satisfied that the implant is close to the desired location, it is tested for a favourable response before being anchored into place. Typically, this procedure takes approximately 10 minutes from start to finish, depending on the surgeon’s expertise and the patient’s cooperation.
The research has focused significantly on positioning the implant near the hypoglossal nerve, which directly influences the genioglossus muscle of the tongue. By stimulating this nerve, we can help alleviate obstructive sleep apnoea by ensuring the tongue maintains a forward position, thus keeping the airway open during sleep. Additionally, they have explored stimulating the Ansa cervicalis nerve, which aids in bringing the airway forward and opening the throat. This method focuses on rotating the larynx into a more favourable position for airway openness by stimulating the strap muscles located at the front of the neck.
One of the major advantages of this implant is that multiple implants can be placed in a single patient, providing a highly customisable approach to treatment. This flexibility allows us to effectively treat patients with varying degrees of severity and even those with a high BMI. Over the past year, we have published six studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this implant. Notably, there was an almost immediate 63% reduction in the Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) on the very first night, which is a significant improvement compared to other therapies such as Inspire and Genio, which require about two months of healing before showing any active treatment effects.
To date, this implant has been successfully inserted into 63 patients worldwide. One of the key benefits of this technology is that, due to the global shortage of ENT surgeons and the relatively simple and quick insertion process, we can treat more patients than traditional implant methods. The Restera company (also known as Invicta Medical) is currently in the Series B round of investment, seeking additional funds to support the completion of longer feasibility studies and aiming for a commercial launch in 2027.
This implant holds the promise of transforming the treatment landscape for sleep apnoea by offering a quick, effective, and customisable solution. With continued research and development, we believe this technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for many patients suffering from sleep apnoea and related conditions. The next phase of the research will focus on refining the technology further, expanding our clinical trials, and preparing for a wider commercial rollout. They are confident that this approach will set a new standard in the treatment of sleep apnoea and pave the way for future advancements in the field.
If you would like to know more, please use the links on this page to understand better what the treatment options for these conditions are.
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