This month, Chicago ENT’s own Dr. Michael Friedman gave several presentations at the American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Head and Neck Surgery annual conference. As a respected member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Dr. Friedman is regularly asked to speak and present his research.
As an expert lecturer, he discussed Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy. He was also invited to speak with three other thought leaders on the latest medical and surgical treatments for snoring.
Internationally Known and Respected by Physicians
Dr. Friedman is an internationally known expert in head and neck surgery, as well as thyroid, parathyroid, and sleep disorders.
He created the Friedman Staging System, which physicians all over the world use to stage sleep apnea. The Friedman staging system is a clinical method for selecting patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are likely to benefit from surgical procedures.
His name is one of the most well-known in the field of sleep medicine and has authored more than 200 articles and textbooks. His research has advanced the field of otolaryngology and sleep medicine.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy
Dr. Friedman’s first presentation was a lecture on Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy. Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy is the most innovative surgical option available for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and is also known as Inspire.
Inspire is the first implantable device and is a CPAP alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Friedman has been involved in researching the concept of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy for two decades and is one of the original pioneers of this therapy. This presentation focuses on identifying patients who are best suited for this therapy.
Dr. Friedman also focuses on the anatomy and surgical technique involved. He also discussed the potential complications and causes of failure for the treatment as well as corrective measures.
Part of the success of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy, according to Dr. Friedman, is…”the concept of creating space in the throat, which has been really challenging. And fortunately, Inspire therapy has dramatically changed peoples’ lives”.
By creating space in the throat, Inspire therapy delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. This nerve controls the movement of the tongue and other airway muscles. Stimulating the muscles keeps the airway open, even during sleep.
Snoring 2020: Panel Presentation
Dr. Friedman along with other leading experts in the field discussed how to assess a snoring patient for treatment.
The panel compared various procedures, and how to recognize and when to use alternative treatments such as oral appliances and positioning aids. As an expert in the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Friedman knows better than anyone the importance of sleeping well.
He says, “Every person recognizes the importance of a good night’s sleep for staying healthy. Our job is to help everyone achieve that goal.”
Snoring may seem harmless, but it can be a slippery slope to sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. A patient that wakes up frequently throughout the night because of snoring is not getting a good night’s sleep. Dr. Friedman’s expertise regarding snoring and sleep medicine makes him the perfect person to present this panel.
If you have concerns that you aren’t getting the right quality of sleep, Dr. Friedman can help! Schedule an appointment at Chicago ENT in Chicago, IL to discuss your options with him!
