Experts: Robots Can Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Robots may be able to help humans who suffer with sleep apnea sleep easier.

The robots help surgeons reach places in the patient's mouth that are difficult to reach by hand. The robots, with their tiny tools, cut out excess lymphoid tissue and opens up the patient's airways.

Dr. Jeffrey Ahn, of Columbia University, says the new technology boosts the ability of surgeons.

Doctors warn people shouldn't dismiss sleep apnea as snoring, because it can lead to serious health problems like depression and heart attacks.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects 10 to 12 million people. It occurs when someone's airway is blocked during sleep.