This is where a magnet is implanted in the patient and paired with a magnetic collar -- all for the purpose of keeping the airway open at night.
However, this precludes the patient from undergoing an MRI which might be essential to the detection and diagnosis of life-threatening conditions in the future. So it appears that the risks for future health may not outweigh the limited benefits of addressing sleep apnea in a unconventional way. And, of course, this precludes the use of a pacemaker or ICD.
Quote:Magnap is a magnet-activated treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) designed to be less invasive than reconstructive surgery, more tolerable than positive airway pressure, and more effective than non-invasive therapies for OSA.
The Magnap device consists of a neodymium-iron-boron rare earth magnet with a ferromagnetic directional back-plate encased in titanium.
The device will be implanted surgically on the hyoid bone.
Following surgery, the patient is fitted with a custom, removable external neck accessory containing a second magnet, which is worn during sleep and prevents airway collapse by attracting the internal hyoid magnet with sufficient force to keep the airway open .
Magnetic Apnea Prevention(MAGNAP) Device to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea:First-In-Human Study of Feasibility and Safety (MAGNAP) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02431507