Genio Procedure (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation)

What Is the Genio System?

Genio is an FDA-approved implantable treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), designed for patients who cannot tolerate or do not benefit from CPAP therapy. It works through hypoglossal nerve stimulation — gently activating the nerve that controls your tongue so the tongue moves slightly forward during sleep, keeping your airway open.

Unlike other nerve-stimulation implants, Genio is battery-free and leadless: there is no implanted battery or wiring in the chest. The small stimulator is placed under the chin through a single incision, and it is powered each night by a lightweight external wearable — so there are no future surgeries to replace batteries.

How It Works

• The implanted stimulator sits under the chin, in contact with both branches of the hypoglossal nerve (the nerve that moves your tongue)
• Genio stimulates both sides of the tongue at the same time (bilateral stimulation), producing balanced forward tongue movement that opens the airway behind the tongue
• At night, you wear a small adhesive patch under the chin with a lightweight activation chip (about the weight of a AA battery) that powers the implant while you sleep
• A smartphone app lets you and your care team adjust comfort settings and track your therapy

Who Is a Candidate?

Genio may be an option if you:

• Have moderate to severe OSA (typically an apnea-hypopnea index between 15 and 65 on a sleep study)
• Have tried CPAP and cannot tolerate it or do not use it consistently
• Meet anatomic criteria — your provider will perform an airway evaluation (often a brief sedated endoscopy called DISE) to confirm the implant will work for your pattern of airway collapse

Your provider will review your sleep study, weight, anatomy, and overall health to determine whether Genio is right for you.

The Procedure

• Performed under general anesthesia through a single small incision under the chin
• The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes about an hour or two
• Most patients go home the same day or after one night of observation
• The implant is invisible under the skin — only a small, discreet scar remains under the chin

Recovery and Activation

• Expect mild swelling, bruising, or soreness under the chin for several days — most patients return to normal activities within about a week
• The implant is not turned on right away — healing time is allowed first, and the system is typically activated several weeks after surgery
• At activation, your care team fits your wearable, sets your starting stimulation level, and teaches you how to use the patch, activation chip, and app
• Over the following weeks, stimulation is gradually fine-tuned to be strong enough to keep your airway open but comfortable enough not to disturb your sleep
• A follow-up sleep study is usually performed to confirm the therapy is working

What to Expect Each Night

• Place a fresh adhesive patch under your chin and clip on the activation chip before bed
• The stimulation feels like a gentle tongue movement — most patients adjust to it quickly
• In the morning, remove the patch and recharge the activation chip for the next night

Questions?

If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea and are struggling with CPAP, contact our office to find out whether the Genio procedure could be right for you. We will guide you through the evaluation, from sleep study to airway exam to scheduling.