Neck-nerve stimulation to keep the airway open in obstructive sleep apnea
The Effect of Ansa Cervicalis Neurostimulation on Airway Patency in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This project uses mild electrical stimulation of a neck nerve to pull the throat downward and help people with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247553 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to come to Vanderbilt for tests and brief procedures to see whether stimulating the ansa cervicalis nerve tightens a neck muscle and creates downward traction on the throat. The team will measure airway openness during sleep and breathing before and after nerve stimulation using sleep-study equipment and imaging or airflow measures. The approach builds on known anatomy and physiology rather than cutting out tissue, aiming to stabilize the airway by mimicking natural tracheal pull. If the method looks promising, it could guide development of a targeted neurostimulation treatment for people with OSA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with obstructive sleep apnea—especially those with moderate to severe OSA who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy and can travel to Vanderbilt for visits.
Not a fit: People with central sleep apnea, airway problems caused primarily by rigid structural blockages, or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this nerve-stimulation approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer an alternative to CPAP that reduces airway collapse during sleep and may lower OSA-related heart and blood vessel risks.
How similar studies have performed: Other nerve-stimulation treatments for sleep apnea (like hypoglossal nerve stimulation) have helped some patients, but using the ansa cervicalis to produce downward tracheal traction is a newer and less-tested approach with promising physiology support.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kent, David T. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kent, David T.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.