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Computed tomography scanning of implanted hypoglossal nerve stimulators and approach to device malfunction: case series

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 December 2021

M J Urban Open the ORCID record for M J Urban [Opens in a new window] ,
A Calder ,
M Jhaveri  and
P LoSavio
M J Urban*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
A Calder
Affiliation:
Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
M Jhaveri
Affiliation:
Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
P LoSavio
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Dr M J Urban, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St., Suite 550 Orthopedic Building, Chicago 60612, USA E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective

Serious device-related complications for hypoglossal nerve stimulators are rare, but surgeons should implement a prompt and systematic approach to quickly troubleshoot a non-functioning device.

Method

Records were queried at a single academic tertiary referral centre between January 2019 and June 2021.

Results

The authors present four cases of non-functioning hypoglossal nerve stimulator devices: one case in which migration of the stimulation lead required a revision implantation, one in which the implantable pulse generator was found to be non-functional intra-operatively, one case of an intramuscular sensory lead tract causing pain and one case of implantable pulse generator failure that was probably triggered by implantable cardiac device discharge. In this study, computed tomography imaging was critical to the diagnosis for the first and third cases.

Conclusion

Given the limited complication reporting available for hypoglossal nerve stimulators, these cases highlight management and unique imaging findings. The authors present an algorithm to work-up non-functioning hypoglossal nerve stimulator devices.

Keywords

Obstructive Sleep ApneaHypoglossal NerveEquipment FailureTomographyImplantable NeurostimulatorsAlgorithms
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 137 , Issue 2 , February 2023 , pp. 231 - 236
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr M J Urban takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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