PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Viliam Donic
AU  - Sona Gresova
AU  - Judita Stimmelova
AU  - Zoltan Tomori
AU  - Gert DeVos
AU  - Boudewijn DeKerf
AU  - Johan Verbraecken
TI  - Domestic longterm therapy of SAS by electrical auricle stimulation
DP  - 2014 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P2005
VI  - 44
IP  - Suppl 58
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P2005.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P2005.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2014 Sep 01; 44
AB  - Aims: Development of a noninvasive method for domestic longterm treatment of SAS by electrical auricle stimulation (EAS). A noninvasive reflex method was tested for long-term domestic therapy, applicable in large groups of SAS patients.Method:.After finding the appropriate stimulation point on the auricle of the ear, using impedance measurement, an electrode was applied to test the efficacy during one night with electrical stimulation at this point. If successful, a removable earplug was made, fixing the elctrode. A second electrode was placed behind the ear. This system was developed to be used in a home setting. Oxygen desaturation, airflow and tidal volume were recorded on a laptop.Results: Reflex activation of the brainstem inspiratory generator by EAS proved to interrupt not only obstructive but also central and mixed apnoic episodes. It was successfully used at home for 190 nights in 3 patients. AI decreased from 46.2±16.6 to 15.9±10.3 (improvement by 68%), while the total sleep time (TST) remained unchanged (343.2±53.0 vs 338.3 ±94.9). Maximum nightly home application was during 373 nights, with very good subjective improvement. The method could be useful for home therapyin an increasing number of SAS patients.Conclusion: Reflex activation of breathing by EAS provides a successful longterm domestic treatment for SAS...