Tongue zaps during sleep test could improve apnea therapy
NCT ID NCT03589846
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how stimulating two specific tongue muscles (palatoglossus and genioglossus) affects airway size during a sleep endoscopy procedure. Researchers will measure changes in the airway with and without stimulation in 60 adults with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot use CPAP. The goal is to gather basic data to improve nerve stimulation treatments for sleep apnea.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2018
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult patient (≥18 years old) 2. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea as determined by polysomnogram with an apnea-hypopnea index of ≥ 5.0/hr. 3. Intolerant of CPAP therapy due to physical or psychosocial limitations as determined by clinical history 4. Scheduled to undergo DISE as part of routine clinical assessment for further evaluation of pharyngeal anatomy Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to consent for research due to a pre-existing neurologic condition as determined by PI 2. Unable to consent for research due to language barriers 3. A history of egg allergy as determined by history or self-reports 4. Currently pregnant as determined by patient report or pre-operative anesthesia evaluation 5. Cardiopulmonary or other medical conditions precluding safe propofol sedation as determined by pre-operative anesthesia evaluation 6. History of palatal or pharyngeal airway surgery including tonsillectomy as determined by clinical history and exam 7. History of radiation treatment to the head or neck as determined by history and/or physical exam
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashvile, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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