Inclusion of the first cervical nerve does not influence outcomes in upper airway stimulation for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Upper airway stimulation (UAS) has demonstrated efficacy in the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Branches of the hypoglossal nerve that selectively activate tongue protrusor and stiffener muscles are included within the stimulation cuff electrode. The first cervical nerve (C1) is often also included to stimulate additional muscles contributing to tongue protrusion and stabilization. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inclusion of the C1 translates into treatment efficacy, decreased voltage requirement, and improved outcomes in patients utilizing UAS.

STUDY DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients who received a UAS implant at our institution and underwent posttreatment polysomnography were evaluated. Stimulation cuff electrodes in 87 patients included the C1; those in the remaining 27 patients did not include the C1. Demographic data, voltage data, and pre- and posttreatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), O

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in stimulation voltage, or posttreatment AHI, O

CONCLUSIONS: The current study has demonstrated that inclusion of the C1 in the stimulation cuff electrode of the upper airway stimulator may not provide any additional benefit in therapy for OSA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E382-E385, 2020.

Volume

130

Issue

5

First Page

382

Last Page

382

ISSN

1531-4995

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

31461160

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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