RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Positive airway pressure and electrical stimulation methods for obstructive sleep apnea treatment: a patent review (2005-2014) A1 Álvarez González, Daniel A1 Gutiérrez Tobal, Gonzalo César A1 Campo Matias, Félix del A1 Hornero Sánchez, Roberto K1 Airflow limitation AB Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a major health problem with significant negative effects on the health and quality of life. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently the primary treatment option and it is considered the most effective therapy for OSAHS. Nevertheless, comfort issues due to improper fit to patient’s changing needs and breathing gas leakage limit the patient’s adherence to treatment.Areas covered. The present patent review describes recent innovations in the treatment of OSAHS related to optimization of the positive pressure delivered to the patient, methods and systems for continuous self-adjusting pressure during inspiration and expiration phases, and techniques for electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles responsible for the airway patency.Expert opinion. In the last years, CPAP-related inventions have mainly focused on obtaining an optimal self-adjusting pressure according to patient’s needs. Despite intensive research carried out, treatment compliance is still a major issue. Hypoglossal electrical nerve stimulation could be an effective secondary treatment option when CPAP primary therapy fails. Several patents have been granted focused on selective stimulation techniques and parameter optimization of the stimulating pulse waveform. Nevertheless, there remain important issues to address, like effectiveness and adverse events due to improper stimulation. PB Taylor & Francis SN 1354-3776 YR 2015 FD 2015 LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/21683 UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/21683 LA eng NO Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2015, vol. 25:9,p. 971-989 NO Producción Científica DS UVaDOC RD 28-nov-2024