Sleep surgery: A viable alternative to CPAP and MAD treatment in OSA?
Nico de Vries (Netherlands)
ENT surgeon at OLVG Hospital Amsterdam, Netherlands
Professor of Dental Sleep Medicine at ACTA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Guest professor at University of Antwerp, Belgium
Keynote Summary: Upper airway surgery is gradually developing into a viable alternative for CPAP and oral device therapy in well selected OSA patients. In particular, young self-responsible patients want to be well informed about potential alternatives to life-long CPAP or oral device therapy. In such cases, diagnostic work-up involves a comprehensive sleep study (as sleep surgeons look at it), OSA specific examination of the upper airway (in particular the collapsible segment of it) and Drug Induced Sleep endoscopy (DISE). Current surgical concepts focus on modern reconstructive techniques (as opposed to old resection techniques) and upper airway stimulation, and combined therapies.
Biosketch: Nico de Vries is an ENT specialist at OLVG West Hospital Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His special interest is the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, in particular alternatives to CPAP. Research topics include Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy, Implants, OSA surgery, Positional Therapy, Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation, Combined Treatments, OSA and bariatric surgery, OSA and Anesthesia, OSA and biomarkers. Since 2014 he is guest professor at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and since 2016, professor of Dental Sleep Medicine, Department of Oral Kinesiology, ACTA, Amsterdam. According to Research Gate, his H-index is 43. He has more than 300 publications in international and national peer reviewed journals, over 70 book chapters, and over 300 presentations.