Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

My video review of EPAP for snoring & sleep apnoea to be released 27th April 2025 - 14:00 GMT

Which thumbnail do you think will win?

Hope to see you then....

3 days ago | [YT] | 16

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

Due to a technical error with the video I wanted to publish today (a video about a mastoidectomy operation), I have had to do an new podcast episode this morning instead. It should be on RSS and Spotify now, but soon it'll be out on YouTube as well. It is a deep dive into drug induced sleep endoscopy with particular focus on my technique.

Catch it on my channel soon. Enjoy!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 38

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

In the last 3 days I have carried out two INSPIRE hypoglossal nerve implants for sleep apnoea patients. Both were particularly challenging cases, but I’m pleased to say both patients are doing well postoperatively.




It has however led me to consider on how much easier it is to build confidence in a procedure when you perform it back-to-back. For me it compounds the learning process and helps embed it into your muscle memory.



As an ENT registrar in training at Queen’s Hospital in Essex, we had such a high demand for tracheostomy operations that we organised a dedicated Wednesday evening operating list solely for tracheostomies. On average, we performed four tracheostomies each Wednesday and it was such an invaluable training opportunity for us that after just a couple of weeks, that we could complete each of these operations within 15–20 minutes. Initially, we were all scrambling to stay late and secure our spot on the list, but as we became more proficient, we found ourselves passing on this opportunity so others could ‘build their logbook’. We became so confident, that it became a chore.





In my early years of training as a general surgeon, my consultant would often ask which procedures I lacked confidence in. On one occasion, I mentioned that I felt slow at performing endoscopic inguinal hernia repairs. My consultant at the time (the rather fantastic Mr Wellwood), then arranged for me to undertake a list the next week entirely of revision bilateral endoscopic inguinal hernia repairs. By the end of that list, I could complete the operation in less than 30 minutes, and I never felt I needed instruction on it again.





Such training opportunities seem to be a thing of the past for today’s junior surgeons. My operating lists are now so tightly packed that I simply do not have the time to train someone properly, as their slower pace would affect the schedule. But how can the next generation of surgeons gain the confidence they need if we do not provide them with the same learning opportunities we once had?





My argument is that we’ve shifted too far towards prioritising service provision at the expense of training the next generation.




What do you think?





p.s The image is obvs AI generated - just trying to catch your attention - thanks!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 87

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

I've recorded my first ever podcast this week (finally), but I had no idea how hard it was to edit podcasts! A Completely different skill. Anyway I hope to release it on Sunday 6th April at 14:00 GMT.

The idea is to make an audio map for you to follow if you have sleep problems. Understand what it is, how to diagnose it, how to get treatment, and what treatments are available.

It is about 90 mins long, so be prepared! I hope it helps people out there navigate the system and get the treatment they need.

Hopefully see you Sunday!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 62

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

Exercises for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: My New Research
14:00 - Sunday 30th March

This video presents my personal research into targeted exercises designed to alleviate snoring and manage obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Using flexible nasendoscopy, I examine my throat whilst performing these exercises to find out which ones better promote airway dilation and stability.


Building on principles of hypoglossal nerve stimulation, I demonstrate exercises that activate specific muscles may mimic the effects of certain surgical techniques

Areas covered include:
- Tongue exercises to enhance airway tone and reduce collapse.
- Palate exercises to mitigate snoring by improving soft tissue control.
- Airway dilation techniques that emulate surgical outcomes to improve respiratory flow.


This evidence combines practical exercises with anatomical insights, aiming to provide non-invasive options for patients and clinicians managing OSA and snoring.

I warn you now it is a long video because I throw in bits of information along the way that I think will help you.

Hope you find it useful.

Professor Vik Veer

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 86

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

Should I do another webinar ? Vote below.

If yes - anything you want me to cover?

1 month ago | [YT] | 11

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

📢 Free Webinar Tonight on Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing 💤

My free webinar happening tonight. I'll dive into the world of treating sleep-disordered breathing - topics include:

- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
- Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)
- Snoring

We'll also explore how phenotypes alter our approach, and I will go through case histories (especially where sleep studies have given the wrong information), and the wide range of treatment options available for these patients.

I will talk about new future treatments as well.

The response so far has been incredible—most of the spaces are already taken! If you'd like to join me, don't wait—register now to secure your spot. 👉 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7717406451199/WN_…

1 month ago | [YT] | 24

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

Which thumbnail will get the most views for the video today at 14:00 GMT?

See you there.

1 month ago | [YT] | 15

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

I've had an decidedly fabulous week! - and at the end of it all I've had a cool idea - allow me to explain!



I have been thinking about how hard it is for patients with sleep disorders to get noticed by doctors. I don't ever remember any training in sleep medicine / surgery - and the fact that for about a decade I seemed to be the only one interested in sleep surgery on the NHS, there weren't many ways for people to learn about it either.


Persisting old ideas I've heard recently include:


- Sleep apnoea is just because patients let themselves get fat. All they have to do is lose weight. - FALSE
- Nocturia is only due to prostate problems, but if the prostate is normal then you have an irritable bladder. FALSE
- Sleep surgery doesn't work - FALSE - even the NICE guidelines recommend it (sometimes even before CPAP).
- If you aren't tired with sleep apnoea, you can still drive safely. FALSE - the Epworth score doesn't pick up reduced vigilance or risk of crashing.


Anyway I made a series of online questionnaires (STAMP, Snoring Loudness, STOPBANG, NOSE, Insomnia Severity index, HADS) which anyone can fill out. Your results are emailed to you with a PDF to explain the scores and what they mean. I also added a section which pointed people to information about the NICE guidelines and some videos on my YouTube channel to help people get started.


If you want to do these questionnaires - click here - lnkd.in/ecYRe3TW



The purpose was to help people turn up to their doctor with some reasonable evidence so they can be referred or treated appropriately.


That was the original idea - but some of my patients had other ideas....


5 patients saw me this week and each showed me results Before & After treatment. They filled out the questionnaires how they remembered life was like before treatment and how they were now after treatment.
Previously they were in a desperate state with severe OSA (the highest was AHI > 100), with multiple complex problems and therefore also scored highly on the questionnaires. Then they showed me their current scores - all AHI / ODI / RDI / FLI / RIP and the questionnaire results all within normal limits.


Not the original intention of these questionnaires, but they were clearly overjoyed to belong to a group of people who had reclaimed their deep refreshing sleep again.


So here (finally) is my big idea. Wouldn't it be great to have a goal to normalise the scores for 1000 sleep disordered breathing patients? I want to show that it is possible, so people have some hope again. It is so hard for sleep deprived people to feel like they will ever get out of their predicament. Showing them 1000 people who have made it might give them the motivation to stick with their CPAP, adjust that MAD, opt for that implant or surgery etc. to achieve the sleep (and life) they deserve.


Anyway that's my end-of-the-week idea.


Have a nice weekend all. 😊

2 months ago | [YT] | 66

Vik Veer - ENT Surgeon

How to Fix Sleep Disordered Breathing (Snoring / Sleep Apnoea / OHS)
Free Webinar - on World Sleep Day (14th March - 7pm GMT)



I'm doing a presentation on world sleep day - I'll be talking about:

• Understanding Snoring, UARS, OSA and OHS
• The risks of sleep disordered breathing.
• What tests you need and how to know that you have achieved good quality sleep.
• Treatment options including - throat exercises, weight loss, devices, surgery & implants.
• Maintaining long-term, deep refreshing sleep


There are limited placed available and those who are late may not be able to access the webinar. The webinar will be first come - first served for those who have registered.


Let me know below if there is something you want me to cover in the presentation?


See you all there.

us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7717406451199/WN_…

2 months ago | [YT] | 33