On July 7, 2025, Chulalongkorn Hospital, under the Thai Red Cross Society, has become the first medical institution in Thailand—and the fourth in Asia—to successfully perform surgery for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) using the latest hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) technique. This achievement reflects the hospital’s multidisciplinary collaboration, involving experts in sleep medicine, otolaryngology, internal medicine, nursing, and anesthesiology. The procedure offers a new treatment alternative for patients who cannot tolerate conventional therapy, helping to improve their overall quality of life.

OSA affects approximately 14% of the general population. Common symptoms include loud snoring, frequent nighttime awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. The standard treatment involves positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, but a number of patients are unable to tolerate it.

To address this challenge, Chulalongkorn Hospital adopted the HGNS technique—an advanced, minimally invasive surgery that involves stimulating the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) to keep the airway open during sleep. The hospital’s team successfully performed the procedure on patients with moderate to severe OSA, marking a significant milestone in sleep medicine in Thailand.

The HGNS system involves implanting a small electronic device near the chest muscle, which sends targeted electrical stimulation to the branch of the hypoglossal nerve responsible for moving the tongue forward. A sensor placed near the rib cage detects breathing effort and coordinates stimulation in sync with inhalation. The device delivers personalized electrical signals and can be turned on or off easily with a one-button remote. Patients activate the system before sleeping and turn it off upon waking.

This technique has been in use internationally for over a decade and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. Thailand’s FDA granted its approval in 2024. HGNS has been proven to be both safe and effective, with minimal scarring, less post-operative pain, and a quick recovery time.

Chulalongkorn Hospital plans to make HGNS therapy available to the public in the near future. Patients interested in this innovative treatment will require medical evaluation to ensure they meet the clinical criteria necessary for safe and effective outcomes.

Source:

kcmh.chulalongkornhospital