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Mitigating Infection Risk in Upper Airway Stimulation.
Naushin S Ali1, Thomas H Fitzpatrick Iv2, Albina S Islam2
1School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|November 6, 2023
Summary
Infection after upper airway stimulation (UAS) device implantation occurred in 1.4% of patients, necessitating explantation. Current protocol modifications did not significantly alter this infection rate, suggesting further research is needed for effective strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Infections
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Infection is a potential complication following UAS device implantation.
- Understanding infection incidence and risk factors is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of infection requiring explantation after UAS device implantation.
- To identify factors influencing the risk of infection.
- To evaluate the impact of modified infection control protocols on infection rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 215 patients who underwent UAS from 2017-2021.
- Analysis of electronic medical records for infection-related data.
- Comparison of infection rates before and after implementing double skin preparation and MRSA decolonization protocols.
Main Results:
- Three postoperative infections (1.4%) were identified, all requiring explantation.
- No statistically significant change in infection rate was observed after protocol modifications (P=.52).
Conclusions:
- Current infection control protocol changes did not significantly reduce explantation rates due to infection.
- Further investigation into long-term infection reduction strategies for UAS devices is warranted.
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