Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, nocturnal hypoxemia, and daytime fatigue. Standard therapy is with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. If this is unsuccessful or poorly tolerated, a hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) can be surgically implanted for treatment. The goal of HGNS treatment is to advance the tongue with each respiration during sleep to relieve oropharyngeal obstruction causing OSA. This therapy has been shown to be efficacious and well tolerated for moderate to severe sleep apnea with a low complication rate. Report of case(s) A 61 year-old female with history of obesity and severe OSA presented to the sleep clinic with complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness and persistently elevated apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 42 events/hour despite adequate usage of CPAP therapy. She underwent an HGNS placement for treatment. Following HGNS activation she used it nightly and three months after implantation underwent an HGNS titration study which was successful (AHI 5.7) and the patient was started on optimal treatment settings with resulting resolution of OSA symptoms. After a period of successful device usage, she presented for follow up and reported complaints of excessive fatigue and sleepiness that was sudden. She attributed these changes to a 3D mammography study she underwent for breast cancer surveillance. Repeat home sleep apnea testing showed sudden worsening of her AHI to 50.6. During a thorough investigation of her device, HGNS sensing waveforms indicated possible sensing lead fracture. The patient was taken to the operating room for implanted pulse generator removal and replacement with new sensing and stimulation leads. Intra-operatively, it was noted that the distal sensing lead had several tears of the polyurethane insulation near the hub of the sensor. Following successful re-implantation sensing returned to normal and she has continued HGNS treatment. Conclusion We present a case of an unusual complication of HGNS sensing lead damage following a 3D mammography study. This led to surgical exploration with removal of a torn sensing lead and re-implantation of the HGNS generator and leads. Attention should be brought to patients and providers in the future regarding this rare, but potentially serious complication. Support (if any)
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