Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN) Sleep Therapy utilizes a small electrical device to achieve increased upper airway flow. This device includes a small electrode that is implanted under the skin near the lower jaw and attached to the Hypoglossal Nerve (12th cranial nerve) connected to a pulse generator implanted near the surface of the upper chest. THN Sleep Therapy controls the movement of the tongue muscles such that the tongue is not allowed to fall back and block the airway during sleep. A doctor implants and programs the device to produce short bursts of electrical pulses that are delivered to the nerve.

THN Sleep Therapy works on the principal of targeted stimulation. Not every muscle of the human tongue is involved in the opening of the airway, in fact some muscles when stimulated block the airway. THN Sleep Therapy is able to target and stimulate only those muscles that deliver optimal opening of the airway.

Neurostimulation is a well accepted technique to treat many medical conditions involving motor or sensory nerves. Various products are approved and commercialized worldwide.