Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Explantation: A Case Series

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) has emerged as a successful surgical treatment strategy for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients failing first-line positive airway pressure therapy. HGNS explantation due to adverse events such as pain and infection is rare and has yet to be well described. Here, our correspondence describes the first case series of patients who have undergone explantation of the Inspire HGNS system. Five patients were identified who underwent HGNS explantation. Three patients underwent explantation due to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incompatibility. One patient underwent explantation due to poor cosmesis. One patient underwent explantation due to surgical site infection. Average operative explant time was 163 minutes. MRI incompatibility, poor cosmesis, and device-related infection are reasons for HGNS explantation. Future need for MRI or chest wall surgery should be considered in patients being evaluated for HGNS implants.