Michael Markiewicz, DDS, MD, a professor and endowed chair at the University of Buffalo (N.Y.) School of Dental Medicine, recently performed a sleep apnea procedure on the youngest patient ever.
The procedure involves implanting a device in the chest that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep without the need for a CPAP machine. The device, manufactured by Inspire Medical Systems, is the first FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea therapy.
The procedure is only approved by the FDA for adults and children with certain conditions. Dr. Markiewicz performed the procedure on an 18-year-old patient.
Dr. Markiewicz’s team will now work to make the procedure available to pediatric patients with Down syndrome, according to an Aug. 21 news release.
