Apnex Medical says device for sleep apnea shows "promising early results"

St. Paul-based Apnex Medical said its device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea has been effective in improving the condition of patients in early results from clinical trials.
The implanted device, called Apnex HGNS System, activates an upper airway muscle when patients are asleep, allowing them to breathe and improve their sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition caused when patients have pauses in breathing when they are asleep, causing them to have fragmented rest and excessive tiredness during the day.
Early findings from the company's three-month and six-month data show the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in patients decreased by more than 50 percent on average, Apnex Medical said.