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Objective: To investigate microanatomic organizations of the extratemporal facial nerve and its branches, hypoglossal nerve, sural nerve, and great auricular nerve. Methods: Nerve samples were dissected in 12 postmortem autopsies, and histomorphometric analyses were conducted. Results: There was no significant difference between the right and left sides of the nerve samples for the nerve area, fascicle area, number of fascicles and average number of axons. The lowest mean fascicle number was found in the hypoglossal nerve (4.9 ± 1.4) while the highest was in great auricular nerve (11.4 ± 6.8). The highest nerve area (3,182,788 ± 838,430 μm2), fascicle area (1,573,181 ± 457,331 μm2) and axon number (14,772 ± 4402) were in hypoglossal nerve (p < 0.05). The number of axons per unit nerve area was higher in the facial nerve, truncus temporofacialis, truncus cervicofacialis and hypoglossal nerve, which are motor nerves, compared to the sural nerve and great auricular nerve, which are sensory nerves (p < 0.05). The number of axons per unit fascicle area was also higher in motor nerves than in sensory nerves (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that each nerve contained a different number of fascicles and these fascicles were different both in size and in the number of axons they contained. All these variables could be the reason why the desired outcomes cannot always be achieved in nerve reconstruction.

Background Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Hypoglossal nerve neurofibromas in cervical region are relatively rare, bilateral occurrence is extremely rare. Methods A 32-year-old man with type 1 neurofibromatosis presented with bilateral neck masses. Magnetic resonance imaging showed parapharyngeal masses consistent with neurogenic tumours, most likely neurofibromas. Results Surgical exploration through lateral cervical approach revealed unexpected finding of the tumour that arose from the hypoglossal nerve. The tumour had totally engulfed the nerve with no normal nerve fascicles identifiable, thus resected in toto. In the postoperative course, the patient developed right hypoglossal palsy and vocal fold palsy treated with augmentation of the paralysed vocal fold with temporary injection material. Conclusions The authors described a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis with neurofibroma originating from cervical part of hypoglossal nerve. This paper discussed this rare condition and the management on how to improve the treatment outcome.

Hypoglossal nerve schwannomas originating extracranially and mimicking a submandibular salivary gland tumour are extremely rare. A 55-year-old woman presented with a painless, gradually increasing swelling in the right submandibular region for the past 1 year. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and contrast-enhanced CT of the swelling showed features of submandibular gland malignant lesion. Intraoperatively, the right submandibular gland with a hypoglossal nerve swelling was noticed. Right submandibular gland along with the hypoglossal swelling were excised with adequate margins. However, the postoperative histopathology was reported as hypoglossal nerve schwannoma and a normal salivary gland. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of hypoglossal schwannomas may be challenging. A high level of suspicion must be sought for in cases with unusual clinical presentations and imaging characteristics. Herein, we report a rare presentation of submandibular hypoglossal schwannoma along with its clinical features and its management.

Background: Hypoglossal and masseteric nerve transfer are currently the most popular cranial nerve transfer techniques for patients with facial paralysis. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare functional outcomes and adverse effects of these procedures. Methods: A review of online databases was performed to include studies with four or more patients undergoing hypoglossal or masseter nerve transfer without muscle transfer or other cranial nerve transposition. Facial nerve outcomes, time to reinnervation, and adverse events were pooled and studied. Results: A total of 71 studies were included: 15 studies included 220 masseteric-facial transfers, and 60 studies included 1312 hypoglossal-facial transfers. Oral commissure symmetry at rest was better for hypoglossal transfer (2.22 ± 1.6 mm vs. 3.62 ± 2.7 mm, p = 0.047). The composite Sunnybrook Facial Nerve Grading Scale was better for masseteric transfer (47.7 ± 7.4 vs. 33.0 ± 6.4, p < 0.001). Time to first movement (in months) was significantly faster in masseteric transfer (4.6 ± 2.6 vs. 6.3 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Adverse effects were rare (

Objective Schwannoma is a slowly growing benign neurogenic tumor that develops from the cells of the nerve sheath. The occurrence of schwannoma in the submandibular space is very rare. Materials and Methods From January 2010 to March 2021, we reviewed all patients who had been operated on in the otolaryngology department over 11 years and found 61 patients diagnosed with schwannomas at the final biopsy after surgery. In these patients, only 3 submandibular schwannomas were identified, and their clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results Three schwannomas (4.9%) developed in the submandibular space. The main symptoms were neck swelling followed by neck discomfort. All submandibular schwannomas were removed surgically with a transcervical approach under general anesthesia. Two patients, who were diagnosed preoperative submandibular tumors, were considered to have developed schwannomas from the lingual nerve, and 1 patient was considered to have developed a schwannoma from the hypoglossal nerve. There were no major surgical complications, including postoperative nerve damage. Conclusions Submandibular schwannomas are extremely rare, but they should be included in the differential diagnosis of submandibular tumors.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) has evolved as a novel and effective therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Despite positive published outcomes of HGNS, there exist uncertainties regarding proper patient selection, surgical technique, and the reporting of outcomes and individual factors that impact therapy effectiveness. According to current guidelines, this therapy is indicated for select patients, and recommendations are based on the Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction or STAR trial. Ongoing research and physician experiences continuously improve methods to optimize the therapy. An understanding of the way in which airway anatomy, obstructive sleep apnea phenotypes, individual health status, psychological conditions, and comorbid sleep disorders influence the effectiveness of HGNS is essential to improve outcomes and expand therapy indications. This article presents discussions on current evidence, future directions, and research gaps for HGNS therapy from the 10th International Surgical Sleep Society expert research panel. CITATION: Suurna MV, Jacobowitz O, Chang J, et al. Improving outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy: current practice, future directions and research gaps. Proceedings of the 2019 International Sleep Surgery Society Research Forum. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(12):2477–2487.

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is a pure motor nerve arising as a paired nerve from its nuclei in the medulla, exiting the skull base via the hypoglossal canal, and descending the neck to innervate the muscles of the tongue. Iatrogenic hypoglossal nerve palsy is uncommon, but cases have been reported, especially after airway management in general anaesthesia and suspension laryngoscopy. We report a case of iatrogenic hypoglossal nerve palsy post-suspension laryngoscopy, which was managed conservatively with full recovery after three months. We discuss the importance of minimal consent for suspension laryngoscopy and possible methods to prevent this uncommon yet unpleasant complication.

RationaleCongenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is characterized by life-threatening sleep hypoventilation, and is caused by PHOX2B gene mutations, most frequently the PHOX2B27Ala/+ mutation, with patients requiring lifelong ventilatory support. It is unclear whether obstructive apneas are part of the syndrome.ObjectivesTo determine whether Phox2b27Ala/+ mice, which present the main symptoms of CCHS and die within hours after birth, also express obstructive apneas, and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms.MethodsApneas were classified as central, obstructive or mixed by using a novel system combining pneumotachography and laser detection of abdominal movement immediately after birth. Several respiratory nuclei involved in airway patency were examined by immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology in brainstem-spinal cord preparation.Measurements and Main ResultsThe median (interquartile range) of obstructive apnea frequency was 2.3/min (1.5-3.3) in Phox2b27Ala/+ pups versus 0.6/min (0.4-1.0) in wildtypes (P < 0.0001). Obstructive apnea duration was 2.7s (2.3-3.9) in Phox2b27Ala/+ pups versus 1.7s (1.1-1.9) in wildtypes (P < 0.0001). Central and mixed apneas presented similar, significant differences. In Phox2b27Ala/+ preparations, the hypoglossal nucleus had fewer (P < 0.05) and smaller (P < 0.01) neurons, compared to wildtypes. Importantly, coordination of phrenic and hypoglossal motor activities was disrupted, as evidenced by the longer and variable delay of hypoglossal with respect to phrenic activity onset (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Phox2b27Ala/+ mutation predisposed pups not only to hypoventilation and central apneas, but also to obstructive and mixed apneas, likely due to hypoglossal dysgenesis. These results thus demand attention towards obstructive events in infants with CCHS.

Lesions of the hypoglossal and laryngeal nerve, recurrent in its unilateral or bilateral extracranial pathways, cause a motor deficit in the tongue with transient, partial or total loss of speech, which may be associated with mild or severe dysphagia, characterizing Tapia syndrome. This unusual condition is usually related to airway manipulation during anesthetic-surgical surgery, and few cases in the literature are correlated with maxillofacial surgeries, which partly explains the ignorance of this complication by a significant number of professionals. We describe a case report of bilateral Tapia syndrome established after a procedure for maxillomandibular advancement. This is a 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with retrognatism and retromaxillism. The patient underwent a maxillomandibular advancement with nasotracheal intubation. He evolved with bilateral Tapia syndrome, recovering from the signs and symptoms of this complication, being reoperated to correct aesthetic results obtained in the first intervention that was below acceptable, not evolving after this second surgery with the syndrome. We conclude that preventive measures should be taken, such as avoiding sudden movements in the head region and prolonged hyperextension of the neck during surgery, minimizing the trauma of the tracheal cannula on the tissues covering the hypoglossal and recurrent laryngeal nerves.

The mainstay of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is positive airway pressure therapy, which may be difficult for some patients to tolerate leading to compromised adherence and requiring alternative therapies. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has become an option for those who meet implantation criteria. Implantation of the device is an ambulatory surgical procedure and is generally well-tolerated, though rare adverse events have been reported. We report an unusual complication of hypoglossal nerve stimulation in a patient who had initial success with this therapy. After 3 years of treatment, the sensor lead penetrated into the pleural space. Components of the hypoglossal nerve stimulation were explanted, and a new sensor lead and generator were reimplanted. The new device was activated, and therapy was successfully resumed. This case demonstrates that there is a potential for a delayed complication of sensor lead penetration into the pleural space, which has only rarely been reported. CITATION: Lou B, Hahn S, Korotun M, Quintero L, Shikowitz M, Greenberg H. Space invader: pleural penetration of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator sensor lead. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(11):2329–2332.

Reduced genioglossus muscle tone is considered one of the major causes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) keeps the upper airway patent by increasing the muscle tone of the genioglossus muscle being the major airway opener. According to the German S3-Guideline on Sleep Disordered Breathing this treatment is indicated in patients with OSA failing or rejecting positive airway pressure, showing an AHI between 15 and 65, in particular when anatomy is normal and the BMI below 35. In 2021 it has been made available for regular patient care in Germany. However, breathing synchronized, continuous, and bilateral HNS differ in parts relevantly regarding their patient selection criteria, technical features, surgical technique, therapy setting and programming, and daily use for the patient. There are many publications showing the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of breathing synchronized HNS. Less but promising data are available for continuous and the most recent bilateral HNS.

Unilateral stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve may result in clinically valuable patency of the upper airway in well-selected patients for treatment of OSA. The Food and Drug Administration has established stringent criteria for the placement of this medical device. The treatment is a consideration among patients who have been nonadherent or intolerant of positive airway pressure therapy, with moderate to severe OSA, and a BMI of ≤ 32 kg/m2. Some of the insurance providers have lowered BMI guidelines to allow implantation in patients with a BMI of

Currently, there is no established technique to directly measure extrinsic tongue muscle activation during selective hypoglossal stimulation therapy (sHNS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in a simple, non-invasive clinical setting. Ultrasound shear-wave elastography (US-SWE) enables quantitative measurement of tissue stiffness. We investigated whether US-SWE is able to detect changes in muscle stiffness of the tongue during sHNS. Patients with OSAS treated with sHNS were prospectively enrolled. A standardized US-SWE protocol was used to selectively measure tissue stiffness of the geniohyoid muscle (GH) and genioglossus (GG) muscles on the side of stimulator implantation (sGH, sGG) and on the contralateral side (nGH, nGG) without and with sHNS. Eighteen patients were included (median age = 62 years, interquartile range: 56-65, 83.3% male). Median shear-wave velocity (SWV) increased during contraction with each patient's clinically prescribed therapeutic regimen in the sGH (+19%, p = 0.020) and sGG (+81%, p0.001) and decreased during contraction in the nGH (-8%, p = 0.107) and nGG (-8%, p = 0.396). Differences in SWV during contraction were significant only on the side of stimulation (sGG +81%, sGH +19%). SWE measurements had excellent reliability as reflected by a Cronbach α value ≥0.9 for all target muscles pre- and post-contraction and an item-total correlation ≥0.5. US-SWE allows reliable measurement of SWV as an indicator of muscle stiffness of extrinsic tongue muscles. This non-invasive method provides new possibilities to distinguish and characterize responders from non-responders in hypoglossal stimulation therapy. Compared with the regular visual assessment of tongue movement, US-SWE of individual muscle groups provides a new non-invasive imaging tool in patients with OSAS.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) implantation is highly effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select patient populations that are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure. Implantation surgery is traditionally performed in hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) due to concern about anesthetic effects and airway manipulation in an OSA population. In this study, we examined complications and efficiency of HGNS implantation in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) versus HOPD. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Patients with HGNS implantation performed between May 2015-January 2021 at our HOPD or ACS were included. Patient-related characteristics, surgical times, and postoperative complications were obtained via chart review. Reimbursement data on a national level for Medicare patients were calculated based on publicly available data from the Center for Medicare Services. Patient characteristics, surgical times, and complications were summarized as medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs) and proportions in each surgical setting group as appropriate. These were compared between surgical setting groups via Wilcoxon rank-sum testing and χ2 testing. RESULTS A total of 122 patients were included. Patients in the HOPD group had significantly higher median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (42.0 [IQR 27.9-51.0]) compared to the ASC group (31.0 [IQR 21.0-44.2], P = .005). The intervals between in-room and case start, case finish and out-of-room, and time in the postoperative area were significantly shorter in the ASC group compared to the HOPD group. Reimbursement on a national level was estimated at 18% lower for patients with surgery performed at the ASC. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS HGNS implantation in an ASC is safe and more efficient than in a HOPD, and may also be more cost-effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Background Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) and solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare tumors of mesenchymal origin. Here, the authors present a rare case of anaplastic HPC in the jugular foramen (JF). The authors also conduct a systematic review of the literature to examine the current fund of knowledge on JF HPC/SFTs. Methods A systematic MEDLINE search was conducted using key words “hemangiopericytoma” OR “solitary fibrous tumor” AND “jugular foramen” OR “extracranial” OR “skull base.” Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of the present case were reviewed and compared with those in the literature. Results A 41-year-old male, who had undergone stereotactic radiation therapy 6 years ago for a presumed glomus jugulare tumor, presented to our institution with worsening dysphagia, hoarseness, persistent tongue weakness, and radiographic evidence of tumor progression. The patient underwent uncomplicated gross total resection with sacrifice of the infiltrated hypoglossal nerve. Histopathologic evaluation revealed anaplastic HPC/SFT (World Health Organization grade III). Review of the literature yielded 9 additional cases of JF HPC/SFT in 5 males (56%) and 4 females (44%), with a mean age of 49.6 years old. Patients commonly presented with pain (37.5%) and lower cranial nerve deficits (100%). Preoperative diagnoses included glomus jugulare (n = 2) or JF schwannomas (n = 3). All patients underwent microsurgical resection of the lesion, except for 1 who refused all treatment after diagnostic biopsy. Conclusion The authors present the only reported case of anaplastic HPC of the JF. The illustrative case and those found on systematic review of the literature highlight the importance of tissue diagnosis and appropriate management.

Purpose of review Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent with numerous deleterious effects on neurocognitive and cardiovascular health. It is characterized by collapse of the upper airway during sleep, due to the decrease in both basal and compensatory UA muscle activities. However, the leading treatment, continuous positive airway pressure, is often poorly tolerated. This review presents latest works focusing on novel interventions targeting upper airway muscles to alleviate OSA severity. Recent findings In the last years, researchers have focused on the development of alternative treatment strategies targeting UA muscle activation, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. Summary Among the nonpharmacological treatments, hypoglossal nerve stimulation aims to increase upper airway muscle phasic activity during sleep through electrical stimulation, while myofunctional therapy improves the activity and coordination of upper airway dilator muscles.Regarding OSA pharmacotherapy, recent findings strongly suggest that selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as atomoxetine and reboxetine, when administered with antimuscarinics such as oxybutynin, can alleviate OSA in most patients increasing pharyngeal dilator muscles activity during sleep. New combinations of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and antimuscarinics have further been explored with variable success and animal models showed that leptin, thyrothropin releasing hormone analogues and gene therapy hold potential for the future of OSA pharmacotherapy.

Background In the absence of a viable proximal nerve stump, damaged after surgical procedures around the skull base, numerous techniques for facial reanimation have been developed over time, aiming to restore baseline symmetry and active mimicry. Objective To report experience using the masseteric nerve as a direct transfer to the facial nerve rerouted after intratemporal translocation. This paper illustrates the main steps of the technique and the quality of results. Methods Eleven patients were treated with a masseteric direct transfer to the facial nerve. Its extratemporal rerouting toward the zygoma allowed tension-free coaptation between donor and recipient nerves. Results Of the 11 patients, 8 had a good to excellent recovery, showing different patterns of time and scores, according to age, surgical timing, and masseteric nerve function quality. The return of activity in the frontalis muscle, never obtained after reinnervation via the hypoglossal nerve, is of particular interest. The quality of the smile can be improved with re-education and practice but remains under volitional control. A true emotional response is still lacking. Conclusion The masseteric nerve is an excellent alternative to the hypoglossal nerve and can reinnervate the whole territory of the facial nerve rerouted after intratemporal translocation. The overall results are remarkable, but the low quality of the trigeminal nerve, eventually affected by the first surgery, may be an important limitation. Even if the patients appear more at ease in re-education than with other techniques, a fully natural facial expression remains impossible to obtain.

Undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with health comorbidities and negatively affects quality of life. Alternative treatments should be considered in patients who are unable to tolerate or benefit from positive airway pressure treatment. When properly indicated, positional devices, oral appliances, airway surgery, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation have been shown to be effective in treating OSA. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a successful second-line treatment with low associated morbidity and complication rate.

Nerve substitution is an important tool in facial reanimation. The goal is to reinnervate the distal facial nerve and musculature using an alternative cranial nerve in order to achieve facial movement, symmetry, and tone. Multiple donor nerves have been used for nerve transfer procedures, the most common being hypoglossal, masseteric, and cross-facial nerve graft. Each donor nerve has its advantages and disadvantages. Multiinnervation uses the use of multiple donor nerves in order to leverage the benefits while balancing the pitfalls of each nerve. The nerve transfer depends on the type of nerve injury, time since injury, and patient factors.

Background Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Initial programming of HGNS is based on the observation of anterior tongue movement, which may not reflect opening at the retroglossal airway. We developed an ultrasonographic technique to assess the base of tongue movement with HGNS to be used to optimize the initial voltage settings. Study question This study aimed to investigate the use of ultrasound to assess tongue movement with HGNS and related this measure to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) on subsequent home sleep apnea testing or in-laboratory polysomnography with therapy. Study design Seventeen subjects (n = 17) implanted with HGNS were enrolled at least 1 month postimplantation. Ultrasonographic measures were then used to optimize HGNS voltage to produce observable base of tongue protrusion without producing discomfort. Responders were defined as a reduction in AHI > 50% and an AHI of Results There were 17 subjects, 11 men and 6 women, with age = 64.6 ± 9.8 years, body mass index = 27.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2, and pretreatment AHI = 36.5 ± 14.4/h, T-90% = 10.7 ± 14.8%. The mean hyoid bone excursion (HBE) in responders = 1.0 ± 0.13 cm versus 0.82 ± 0.12 cm in nonresponders (P = 0.017). HBE was correlated with AHI during HGNS treatment (coef. -0.54, P = 0.03). Best subsets regression analysis using treatment-based AHI as the dependent variable and age, body mass index, baseline AHI, HBE, and HGNS voltage as independent variables showed that HBE (coef. -44.6, P = 0.044) was the only independent predictor of response. Receiver operator curve analysis showed that HBE > 0.85 cm had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 80.0% with a positive likelihood ratio of 4.17 to predict responder status. Conclusion We demonstrated that ultrasound assessment of HBE during HGNS programming is a useful tool to optimize therapy.

Pendahuluan: Stroke merupakan penyakit yang sering terjadi di masyarakat dan memiliki morbiditas dan mortalitas yang tinggi. Pada stroke terjadi hemiparesis kontralateral, tetapi pada kasus tertentu, hemiparesis kontralateral dapat disertai dengan gejala saraf kranial ipsilateral Ilustrasi Kasus: Pasien perempuan, berusia 23 tahun, datang dengan keluhan kelemahan anggota gerak kanan disertai kelopak mata kiri tidak bisa membuka, penglihatan ganda, dan bicara pelo. Dari pemeriksaan fisik didapatkan tekanan darah 130/100mmHg. Dari pemeriksaan neurologis didapatkan ptosis mata kiri, dilatasi pupil mata kiri, refleks cahaya langsung dan tidak langsung negatif pada mata kiri, refleks pupil akomodasi negatif pada mata kiri, parese nervus okulomotorius dan trokhlearis kiri, kelumpuhan otot wajah bagian bawah sisi kanan, dan deviasi lidah ke kanan saat protrusi. Selain itu, kekuatan otot ekstremitas superior adalah 3/5 dan inferior adalah 2/5, serta refleks Babinski dan Chaddok positif pada bagian kanan. Dari pemeriksaan rontgen thoraks didapatkan kardiomegali tanpa bendungan paru, dan dari CT scan kepala tanpa kontras didapatkan lesi iskemik di kapsula interna. Pasien didiagnosis hemiparesis alternans dan selama perawatan, pasien diberikan aspirin 80 mg satu kali perhari dan amlodipin 10 satu kali perhari. Diskusi: Pemeriksaan MRI tidak dilakukan pada pasien, tetapi pemeriksaan ini penting diusulkan untuk mengetahui struktur batang otak yang terlibat pada kondisi hemiparesis alternans yang dialami pasien Simpulan: Hemiparesis alternans superior atau Sindroma Weber dapat menyebabkan kematian, sehingga diagnosis dan tata laksana segera dibutuhkan untuk pasien hemiparesis alternans. Faktor risiko pada hemiparesis alternans akibat stroke dapat berupa multifaktorial dan perlu diinvestigasi Kata kunci: hemiparesis alternans superior, sindroma Weber, stroke

An increasing proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation are undergoing implantation with hypoglossal nerve stimulators for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We present a case of hypoglossal nerve stimulator–associated neurapraxia following electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Central Illustration

Since the first statement of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is meanwhile an established treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There are three HNS systems available in Germany which differ in their technical details of the underlying comparable basic principle. For the unilateral HNS with respiratory sensing, several comparative studies, high-volume register analysis and long-term reports exist. The continuous HNS without respiratory sensing does not require a sleep endoscopy for indication. For the bilateral continuous HNS as the single partially implantable device, a feasibility study exists. For indication, the assessment of positive airway pressure failure by sleep medicine is crucial, and the decision for HNS should be made in discussion of other treatment options for at least moderate OSA. The implantation center holds primarily responsibility among the interdisciplinary sleep team and is primary contact for the patient in problems. This depicts why structural processes are required to secure outcome quality and minimize the complications. The aftercare of HNS patients can be provided interdisciplinary and by different medical institutions, whereat, minimal reporting standards to document outcome and usage are recommended.

Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, its proven effect is useless if the patient does not tolerate the treatment. The electrical stimulation approach has been investigated for several decades now and it seems that the implantable devices for invasive electrical stimulation of hypoglossal nerve are viewed as effective with some of them already approved for human use. Areas covered: in this review, we intent to summarize the existing records of noninvasive stimulation in sleep apnea to make the scientific community aware of the details before deciding on its future. We believe that this is a battle still to fight and more could be done bearing in mind the safety of this method. Expertopinion: noninvasive electrical stimulation has been left behind based on few, small and inconsistent studies using different stimulation parameters. These studies are difficult to compare and to draw conclusions. Electrical stimulation is a field for research in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, with many aspects still to be discovered, and which may become a therapeutic alternative to the use of CPAP in certain patients.

Objective Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are benign but challenging. This study compared outcomes of 3 techniques of the surgical treatment of CBTs. Study Design This retrospective observational study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2019. The 38 patients enrolled in the study had primary tumors, including 1 with bilateral tumors and another with adrenal gland pheochromocytoma. We collected data on age, sex, size of tumor, Shamblin classification, treatment, blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and recurrence. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 software. Results Twenty-four patients were male, and 12 were female, and they ranged in age from 11 to 71 years. Cases were assigned to Shamblin groups I (n = 6), II (n = 19), and III (n = 14). Tumor size ranged from 2.0 × 2.0 cm to 5.0 × 6.0 cm. Eleven CBTs underwent blunt dissection (BD), 20 underwent BD plus resection of external carotid artery division plus vessels of encapsulation with allograft dermal matrix (BD + RECA + VE), and 8 tumors underwent surgical resection of tumors plus common carotid artery–internal carotid artery artificial vascular reconstruction (SR +C-IAVR). No perioperative death or stroke occurred. There was a significant difference between Shamblin groups I, II, and III in terms of the size of the tumor, type of treatment used, blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, and complications. Six patients had mandibular branch facial nerve transient paresis; 7 patients had hypoglossal nerve dysfunction; 3 patients had Horner syndrome; and dysphasia occurred in 2 patients. The patients were seen in follow-up for 16 to 45 months, and 1 recurrence was observed. Conclusions Three surgical techniques—BD, BD + RECA + VE, and SR + C-IAVR—are safe and feasible for the treatment of CBTs according to Shamblin classifications.

The effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) depends upon selective stimulation of nerve fibers that innervate muscles that produce tongue protrusion and stiffening, without activating those that innervate muscles that produce tongue retraction. This selective stimulation can be optimized by use of intraoperative hypoglossal nerve stimulation and monitoring during stimulator implantation. This article describes the methodology for applying nerve monitoring during HGNS surgery and reviews evidence supporting its utility in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Intraoperative nerve stimulation and monitoring can successfully and reliably isolate hypoglossal nerve fibers that innervate muscles that produce tongue protrusion (to be included within the implanted electrode cuff) from those that innervate muscles that produce retraction (to be excluded from the cuff). This minimizes post-implantation mixed activation (both tongue protrusion and retraction), which can inhibit therapeutic responses to HGNS. The efficacy of HGNS in the treatment of OSA can be optimized by using intraoperative nerve stimulation and monitoring.

Background Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) with Inspire is a novel treatment indicated for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), intolerant to or unable to be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Objective The aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of treating moderate or severe OSAHS, in patients intolerant to CPAP, with HNS, compared with standard care, from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Methods A cohort state transition model was developed to compare HNS with Inspire with no treatment in UK adult patients with moderate or severe OSAHS who have previously tried and have not responded to CPAP therapy. Published literature was applied in the model to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs; 2019 Great British pounds per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained), from an NHS and personal social services (PSS) perspective, over a cohort’s lifetime. Results The model base-case predicts that patients undergoing HNS will incur lifetime costs of £65,026 compared with £36,727 among untreated patients. The HNS cohort would gain 12.72 QALYs compared with 11.15 QALYs in the no-treatment arm. The ICER of treating severe OSAHS with HNS is therefore estimated to be £17,989 per QALYs gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that at a threshold of £30,000/QALY, HNS has a 69% probability of being cost effective. Limitations of the model include uncertainty around the utility data that were not sourced directly from HNS clinical trials. There is further uncertainty in the relationship between change in the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) and reduction in ischaemic heart disease and stroke because of difficulty capturing the reduction in risk over a long time horizon in studies. Conclusions Over a patient’s lifetime, HNS with Inspire is expected to be cost effective when compared with no treatment in patients with severe OSAHS who have tried and have not responded to CPAP, from an NHS perspective. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41669-021-00266-7.

To evaluate relationships between hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) adherence and the presence of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. This is a cross-sectional study of subjects with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who had HNS implanted and activated at The Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC). Patient usage data from the previous 6 months was obtained from 33 patients. Adherence was defined as ≥28 h of use per week. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) score was calculated for all subjects. Sixty-five percent were adherent with average usage of 46.5±11.7 h per week vs 7.7±7.5 h per week in the non-adherent group. The average GAD-7 were 3.90±3.98 in the adherent group vs. 8.27±6.69 in the non-adherent group (p=0.049). PHQ-9 score was 6.15±4.31 vs. 10.09±7.53 (p=0.118), and PHQ-ADS was 10.05±7.49 vs. 19.20±9.80 (p=0.035). There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, pre-treatment AHI, and post-treatment AHI between the two groups, though there was a trend to higher age in the adherent group. This study demonstrated higher GAD-7 and PHQ-ADS scores in the non-adherent group compared to those who were adherent to HNS supporting that anxiety and emotional distress may contribute to HNS therapy adherence. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the relationship between anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and HNS adherence. Screening patients with the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 prior to implantation may be helpful when evaluating patient adherence to therapy.

Though much research has been conducted into improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis, there is relatively limited work in this regard on the tongue-computer interface. The tongue is a muscular organ directly connected to the brain through a cranial nerve known as the hypoglossal nerve which is responsible for the motor functions of the tongue. Hence, tongue movements are not affected during spinal cord injuries, which is one of the major causes of paralysis. We propose in this paper a novel method for capturing inputs from the tongue using an intraoral camera. An endoscope camera is attached to a personalized mouthguard to capture images of the tongue. The intraoral environment is lit up with LEDs carefully placed at angles to ensure the images of the tongue are of adequate quality for the processing stage. The features of the captured images of the tongue are then extracted in real-time using image processing techniques which are primarily aimed at efficiently obtaining the contour of the tongue along with the centroid of the detected region. This helps to obtain the orientation and position of the tongue, and the system was successfully able to classify this information into one of 11 possible categories, thus producing 11 distinct outputs for the system which can be used by paralytic patients as inputs to any assistive device. The number of outputs obtained for the developed system are more than most of the other currently available solutions. After testing the system with a data entry application, an average of 19.34 correct selections per minute was obtained from 5 different experiments. In addition, an average error percentage per trial of 3.96% was achieved. The advantages of using the intraoral camera include the non-invasive nature of the system, the number of options available for the user at a given instance, and not requiring the tongue to establish any contact with a sensor or device.

Aim. This study provides an analysis of the results of eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEE) with transposition of the internal carotid artery (ICA) over the hypoglossal nerve, according to A.N. Kazantsev. Materials and Methods. The given prospective open study covering the period from January 2017 to May 2020 involved 311 patients who underwent eversion CEE with transposition of ICA over the hypoglossal nerve, according to A.N. Kazantsev. Transposition was performed in the following way: after standard isolation of the carotid arteries, their compression, arteriosection, and removal of atherosclerotic plaque, ICA was extracted in the area above the hypoglossal nerve and was implanted to the same position. The condition of the patient was controlled on repeated visits to the clinic every six months. Hemodynamics in the reconstruction zone were studied using multispiral computed tomography with angiography of carotid bifurcation with 0.6 mm steps and processing the obtained results in Sim Vascular and Open Foam programs in DICON format. The follow-up period was 18.37.1 months. In case of development of restenosis, reCEE was performed with patch plasty of the reconstruction zone. For histologic examination, the restenosis area was stained by the van Gieson method. Results. In the hospital follow-up period, one case of myocardial infarction was noted that developed due to the stents thrombosis in the anterior descending artery deployed two years before. When studying the hemodynamic properties of carotid bifurcation in the postoperative period using computer modeling, in all cases, no changes or obstacles to blood flow were formed in the ICA in the area above the hypoglossal nerve. In the long-term follow-up period, two cases of lethal outcome were recorded connected with the onset of an oncological disease. In one case, due to recurrence of the pulmonary artery thromboembolism. In two cases, the cause of myocardial infarction was thrombosis/occlusion of venous anastomoses (in one patient to the circumflex artery, in the other to the right coronary artery). In four cases, repeated acute cerebrovascular accidents developed due to restenosis after CEE. In cases of significant restenosis (n=8), reCEE was performed with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch. The average restenosis period was 8.23.6 months. No cardiovascular complications and cases of hypoglossal nerve traumatization were identified. Intraoperatively, it was confirmed that restenosis was formed in the bifurcation zone, in front of the perimeter of the primary arteriosection. According to the results of histological examination, the main cause of all restenoses was hyperplasia of the neointima. Conclusion. The eversion CEE with the transposition of the ICA, according to A.N.Kazantsev, creates conditions for additional maneuvers in case of restenosis and implementation of reCEE. The ICAs placement over the hypoglossal nerve during primary CEE allows more confident isolation of carotid artery bifurcation from scar tissues with a zero risk of damage to the hypoglossal nerve. Such a course of the operation makes it possible to apply a clamp on the ICA and perform arteriotomy in any location without the threat of injury to the nerve structures.

Rationale: Approximately a third of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy are incomplete responders, despite careful patient selection based on baseline characteristics and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Here we use polysomnographic endotyping to assess the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying favorable versus incomplete responses to HGNS therapy. Methods: Baseline polysomnography data of the STAR trial were included. Raw baseline polysomnographic data from 91/126 patients were available for analysis. Traits—loop gain, arousal threshold, collapsibility, muscle compensation—were calculated from the baseline polysomnography data according to Sands et al. (AJRCCM 2018, SLEEP 2018). Logistic regression assessed AHI-adjusted associations between HGNS response (>50% reduction in AHI to

The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the incidence of complications related to type of neck dissection to different variables. Retrospective study was conducted on patients who reported to our craniofacial centre between 2010 and 2019 and underwent neck dissection for evaluation of complications related to it. Records of all patients were analysed for complications which were alienated into intra-operative, immediate post-operative (within 10 days) and post-operative complications. 256 patients, 141 male and 115 female aged between 25 and 70 years operated for squamous cell carcinoma were included. The overall incidence of complications was 32.8%. Intra-operative complications were haemorrhage 14%, nerve injury 5.4%, inadvertent internal jugular vein ligation 0.3%, chyle leak 0.3%. No incidence of carotid blow out. Immediate post-operative complications were hematoma formation 7%, salivary fistula in 2.3% and re-exploration was done in 1.5% cases. Post-operative complications noted were wound dehiscence in 22.6%, infection in 20.7%, hematoma in 2.7%, salivary fistula in 11.7% and nerve injury in 0.3% cases. Neck dissection is a challenging and therapeutic procedure. Prevention of major complications like carotid blow-out, injury to brachial plexus, vagus nerve or hypoglossal nerve requires thorough knowledge of neck anatomy.

Background Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is an alternative treatment option for patients with OSA unable to tolerate positive airway pressure but implant criteria limit treatment candidacy. Previous research indicates that caudal tracheal traction plays an important role in stabilizing upper airway patency. Research Question Does contraction of the sternothyroid muscle with ansa cervicalis stimulation (ACS), which pulls the pharynx caudally via thyroid cartilage insertions, increase maximum inspiratory airflow (VImax)? Study Design and Methods Hook-wire percutaneous electrodes were used to stimulate the medial branch of the right hypoglossal nerve and right branch of the ansa cervicalis innervating the sternothyroid muscle during propofol sedation. VImax was assessed during flow-limited inspiration with a pneumotachometer. Results Eight participants with OSA were studied using ACS with and without HNS. Compared with baseline, the mean VImax increase with isolated ACS was 298%, or 473 mL/s (95% CI, 407-539). Isolated HNS increased mean VImax from baseline by 285%, or 260 mL/s (95% CI, 216-303). Adding ACS to HNS during flow-limited inspiration increased mean VImax by 151%, or 205 mL/s (95% CI, 174-236) over isolated HNS. Stimulation was significantly associated with increase in VImax in both experiments (P Interpretation ACS independently increased VImax during propofol sedation and drove further increases in VImax when combined with HNS. The branch of the ansa cervicalis innervating the sternothyroid muscle is easily accessed. Confirmation of the ansa cervicalis as a viable neurostimulation target may enable caudal pharyngeal traction as a novel respiratory neurostimulation strategy for treating OSA.

We proposed to describe hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy of obstructive sleep apnea emphasizing the evidence for benefit and identifying patient selection factors foretelling of favorable outcomes. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has proven to have lasting efficacy in the treatment of multiple aspects of obstructive sleep apnea including event frequency, nocturnal hypoxemia, sleepiness, patient quality of life, sleep architecture, and treatment adherence. Obstructive sleep apnea severity, pattern of pharyngeal collapse, weight, age, and previous surgery are cited predictors of hypoglossal nerve stimulation outcomes. Advances in science have honed the clinical and historical factors predictive of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy efficacy. Positive airway pressure therapy is the primary therapeutic modality for sleep apnea. However, some subjects given positive airway pressure fail to accept or reliably adhere to treatment. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy can be offered as alternative in such cases. Science has identified clinical features predictive of efficacy.

Ectopically located parathyroid adenoma is one of the major causes of persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia. Approximately 0.3–8% of parathyroid adenoma is found in an ectopic location. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas are uncommon causes of persistent hypercalcemia and can be present at uncommon locations, including the hypoglossal nerve, the posterior triangle of the neck, axilla, and pericardium 3. A high index of suspicion is warranted when we see persistently elevated levels of parathyroid hormones (PTHs) and calcium levels post parathyroidectomy. Here, we present a patient who persistently had elevated calcium and PTH levels after parathyroidectomy.

Neck dissection is often performed in patients with oral cancer to both treat and reduce the risk of subsequent neck metastases. Injury to the hypoglossal nerve may result in dysarthria, dysphagia, and profound difficulty with upper airway control. Although surgical landmarks facilitate intra-operative identification of vital structures to be preserved, they should not be an absolute measure, due to anatomical variants. We present a rare case of unilateral aberrant anatomy of the hypoglossal nerve, passing superficial to the internal jugular vein. A 70-year-old female presented to the emergency department with an indurated and ulcerated floor of mouth lesion, later confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. She was treated with wide local excision, bilateral selective neck dissection of levels I to III, surgical tracheostomy, anterior mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a left composite radial forearm free flap. A nerve-like structure was identified crossing superficially and perpendicular to the internal jugular vein within the left neck, which was later determined to be an anatomical variant of the hypoglossal nerve. This was carefully dissected and preserved, and the remainder of the surgery completed uneventfully. On the right, the hypoglossal nerve followed its normal anatomical course. The patient made a good recovery and suffered no neurological complications. Identification, meticulous dissection and preservation of the hypoglossal nerve is essential in lymphadenectomy involving levels I and II. Detailed knowledge of both normal and variant anatomy is fundamental for surgeons, which will allow for identification and protection of important neurovascular structures, thereby minimising surgical morbidity.

Inconsistency in the definition of LLNs may be a hurdle in ensuring the accuracy of the evidence. Refinements in the classification of LLNs, based on the fascial anatomy and lymphatic vessels, are warranted.

To determine if there is an association between authors' financial conflict of interest and published position on clinical use of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea.Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.International roster of authors and articles analyzed.A Google Scholar search was performed for editorials and reviews citing the 2014Sixteen articles from 45 independent authors were analyzed. Nine articles by authors were coded as favorable. Among authors of articles with favorable views, 16 (59%) had a financial conflict of interest with the manufacturer of the hypoglossal nerve stimulator device, as opposed to only 1 of 21 (5%) authors of neutral/unfavorable articles. When we included only authors to whom payments could be identified or excluded on Open Payments, 16 of 20 (80%; 95% CI, 62%-98%) authors of favorable articles had a financial conflict, while 1 of 10 (10%; 95% CI, 0%-29.6%) of neutral/unfavorable articles did (Our study demonstrates an association between published position on hypoglossal nerve stimulator use and financial conflict with the device manufacturer. Several undeclared conflicts were also found, suggesting a role for independent search for conflicts during the review process.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy was approved in 2014 for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in patients who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which is reported in up to 40–60% of patients. This therapy works via direct neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve in synchrony with respiration, to open the airway via tongue stiffening and protrusion. Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in both respiratory parameters such as disordered breathing indices, as well as subjective sleep complaints, such as daytime sleepiness, with the use of this therapy. This has increased the repertoire of treatment options for sleep providers to recommend to those patients that are intolerant to CPAP therapy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13311-021-01012-x.

Objective Current guidelines for hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) implantation eligibility include drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings and other patient characteristics but lead to highly variable rates of surgical success across institutions. Our objective was to determine whether additional factors seen on preoperative evaluation could be used as predictors of surgical success. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Single-institution academic tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods:This study included patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who underwent HGNS implantation between 2015 and 2018. Surgical success was defined as a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of less than 20 events per hour and an AHI reduction of at least 50%. Preoperative polysomnogram (PSG) results, DISE findings, and physical parameters were compared between surgical successes and failures. Results A total of 68 patients were included in the analysis. The overall surgical success rate was 79.4% (54/68). Elevated preoperative AHI was associated with an increased likelihood of treatment failure, with an AHI of (36.9 ± 16.8) events/hour in the success group compared to (49.4 ± 19.6) events/hour in the failure group (P = 0.05). Patients observed to have partial lateral oropharyngeal collapse on DISE was more frequently associated with the treatment failure group than in the success group (P = 0.04). Conclusion Patients who underwent HGNS implantation overall had a very high treatment response rate at our institution. Factors that may predispose patients to surgical failure included the presence of lateral oropharyngeal collapse and a significantly elevated preoperative AHI. These should be considered when determining surgical candidacy for HGNS implantation.

Background The aim of this paper was to point out the intradural cranial nerve roots variations in their localization and number to establish the incidence and clinical importance of the cranial nerve root variations. Methods The anatomical study was performed on 120 sides in 60 cadavers. There were 51 male cadavers with the mean age 43.3 and 9 female cadavers with the mean age of 39.5 years. Results Abducens nerve variations were observed in 48 cases (80 %). They were more frequently on the left side, in 25 cases (41.66 %). Duplicated abducens nerve was observed in 25 cases (41.66 %). Double and triple abducens nerve variations were also observed. Conclusions Cranial nerve variations are rare, but variations of abducens nerve and atypical exit of the hypoglossal nerve from the fossa cranium posterior is not a rare variation. Knowledge of this variation may be important to various fields of medicine (Tab. 3, Fig. 8, Ref. 34).

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea is recurrent upper airway obstruction caused by a loss of upper airway muscle tone during sleep. The main goal of our study was to determine if designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) could be used to activate the genioglossus muscle as a potential novel treatment strategy for sleep apnea. We have previously shown that the prototypical DREADD ligand clozapine-N-oxide increased pharyngeal diameter in mice expressing DREADD in the hypoglossal nucleus. However, the need for direct brainstem viral injections and clozapine-N-oxide toxicity diminished translational potential of this approach, and breathing during sleep was not examined.Objectives: Here, we took advantage of our model of sleep-disordered breathing in diet-induced obese mice, retrograde properties of the adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) viral vector, and the novel DREADD ligand J60.Methods: We administered AAV9-hSyn-hM3(Gq)-mCherry or control AAV9 into the genioglossus muscle of diet-induced obese mice and examined the effect of J60 on genioglossus activity, pharyngeal patency, and breathing during sleep.Measurements and Main Results: Compared with control, J60 increased genioglossus tonic activity by greater than sixfold and tongue uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose by 1.5-fold. J60 increased pharyngeal patency and relieved upper airway obstruction during non-REM sleep.Conclusions: We conclude that following intralingual administration of AAV9-DREADD, J60 can activate the genioglossus muscle and improve pharyngeal patency and breathing during sleep.

ZusammenfassungDie Stimulation des Nervus hypoglossus (HNS) zur Behandlung der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA) hat seit der ersten Stellungnahme der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Schlafmedizin der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie (DGHNO) einen festen Stellenwert erhalten. Die vorhandenen 3 Systeme unterscheiden sich in der technischen Ausgestaltung des ähnlichen Grundprinzips. Für die unilaterale atmungsgesteuerte HNS existieren hier mehrere Vergleichsstudien, Registeranalysen mit 4-stelligen Patientenzahlen und mehrjährigen Nachsorgeergebnissen. Die kontinuierliche HNS verzichtet auf die Atmungserkennung, und im Gegensatz zum atmungsgesteuerten HNS ist eine Schlafendoskopie zur Indikationsstellung nicht notwendig. Die bilaterale kontinuierliche HNS ist als einziges Verfahren teilimplantierbar; hierzu liegen erste Machbarkeitsstudien vor. Wesentlich für die Indikation ist die mit schlafmedizinischer Expertise beurteilte Non-Adhärenz der Überdrucktherapie bei einer mindestens mittelgradigen OSA in individueller Abwägung von weiteren Therapieoptionen. Die implantierende Klinik steht im Mittelpunkt der interdisziplinären Therapieverantwortung und ist bei Therapieproblemen Hauptansprechpartner. Dies erklärt die strukturellen Anforderungen zur Sicherung der Ergebnisqualität und Minimierung von Komplikationen. Die Nachsorge der HNS-versorgten Patienten kann sehr gut sektoren- und fachdisziplinübergreifend erfolgen, wobei Mindestangaben zur Behandlungswirkung und Nutzung dokumentiert werden sollten.