Sleep apnea: this system is reimbursed by health insurance, relief for patients
Nearly four million French people are affected by sleep apnea and among them, two million use a continuous positive pressure device (PPC), which is a night respirator asking for a mask. Others opt for the mandibular advance orthosis, that is to say gutters that slightly advance the lower jaw to release the airways and stop the snoring.
This system is reimbursed by health insurance
THE “XII stimulator” is a third therapeutic option. As reported 20 minutesChristophe Petiau, neurologist specializing in sleep medicine at the Saint-Barbe clinic in Strasbourg, declares that “450 devices are reimbursed per year and it is for patients who are in check with the first two treatments”. His establishment is part of the ten French centers who practice this intervention with already eight beneficiaries and other pending patients.
The operation lasts about two hours and consists, initially, to place a box at the thoracic level. The device is 5 centimeters long, 3 centimeters wide and 8 millimeters thick with a battery and electronic components, such as a cardiac stimulator. A sleeve is then positioned around the hypoglosse nerve, located at the lower jaw. The two elements are connected by a discreet wire placed under the skin.
The patient manages the activation of “XII stimulator” via a remote control. When the device is underway, three electrodes stimulate part of the nerve during inspiration to cause a slight advance of the tongue and facilitate air passage. The mechanism then eliminates apnea and snoring.
According to Christophe Petiau, “Around 95 % of people who have already been operated with this device are satisfied, according to an American study”. The doctor also reassures patients, specifying that “The tongue does not hang. It stumbles or passes slightly between the teeth”. This is a more discreet solution than the continuous positive pressure device.
The intervention is estimated at “About 20,000 €”now accessible with care by health insurance. Patients resistant to traditional treatments will be able to benefit from an effective alternative solution.
