Hypoglossal Nerve Upper Airway Stimulator Implantation after Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Malignancy

Abstract

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Insights since FDA Approval of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

“…Another case report found a successful co-use of HNS with an implantable defibrillator; however, if this is to be considered, there needs to be agreement from each device manufacturer that this approach will work 56 . A third showed that the technology could be employed after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer distorted the anatomy 57 . The technology was useful in the management of OSA in a patient with Down’s syndrome, where CPAP therapy adherence is very, very low 58 .…”

Successful Hypoglossal Nerve Upper Airway Stimulator Implantation After Chemoradiotherapy for Oropharynx Malignancy Complicated by Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis

“…However, the patient in our study demonstrated excellent 1-year postoperative results (AHI 4), and a prior case report from 2017 demonstrated an excellent 1-year postoperative result as well (AHI 8). 6 These data are encouraging for the use of HNS-UAS in survivors of oropharynx malignancy treated with RT.…”

“…There is a paucity of data on HNS-UAS outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors, and to our knowledge, this is the second report of successful treatment in this patient demographic. 6…”

“…There is a paucity of data on HNS-UAS outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors, and to our knowledge, this is the second report of successful treatment in this patient demographic. 6 A 71-year-old male Veteran with a 20-year history of OSA on CPAP presented with complaints of worsening fatigue associated with decline in CPAP tolerance. His medical history was notable for T1N2bM0 P16þ left tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive RT and concurrent cisplatin 5 years earlier.…”