
Comparing Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulators for OSA
From Talking Sleep by AASM
April 10, 2026 · 57 min · Season 8 · Episode 7
About this episode
Dr. Seema Khosla discusses hypoglossal nerve stimulators for obstructive sleep apnea with Dr. David Kent.
In this episode of Talking Sleep, host Dr. Seema Khosla welcomes Dr. David Kent, Associate Professor and Director of Sleep Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to discuss the evolving landscape of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. With the recent FDA clearance of a new hypoglossal nerve stimulator, patients now have three device options available or coming soon. Dr. Kent, whose research explores upper airway neurophysiology and novel OSA treatments, helps clinicians understand the fundamental differences between these devices and how to select the most appropriate option for individual patients. He discloses his past consulting relationship with Inspire and current consulting role with Nyxoah to provide transparent context for the discussion. The conversation begins with the foundational premise of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and why it effectively treats obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Kent traces Inspire's evolution since its 2013 FDA approval, explaining the current implantation process and how the technology has advanced over the past decade. A significant focus is placed…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Seema Khosla
Guest: Dr. David Kent
Topics covered
- hypoglossal nerve stimulation
- obstructive sleep apnea
- medical devices
- sleep surgery
- patient treatment options
Keywords
- hypoglossal nerve stimulation
- obstructive sleep apnea
- FDA clearance
- Inspire
- Genio
- sleep surgery
- treatment options
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Inspire, Nyxoah
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