Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Hypoglossal Nerve for the Treatment of Sleep Apnea: An Animal Study

Electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve is an established therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, as activation of tongue muscles helps maintain airway patency during sleep. However, surgical implantation of electrodes carries inherent risks and limits broader application. In this study, we investigated a non-invasive approach using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound neuromodulation to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve and evaluated its effect on tongue muscle activity and upper-airway function. A 1-MHz ultrasound transducer was applied to the cervical region of anesthetized mice to deliver acoustic stimulation. Electromyography recordings from tongue muscles demonstrated that ultrasound effectively induced muscle activation via hypoglossal nerve neuromodulation. In addition, oxygen saturation and tongue displacement were monitored to assess functional improvements in upper-airway patency and to ensure safety with respect to tissue integrity and thermal effects. The results confirmed that ultrasound stimulation successfully modulated nerve activity and elicited tongue movements without evidence of tissue damage. These findings suggest that ultrasound-based neuromodulation offers a promising, safe, and non-invasive alternative for obstructive sleep disorder treatment.