Operating time shortening via two-incision approach for upper airway stimulation

Introduction The 2-incision surgical technique for the Upper Airway Stimulation (Inspire) unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulator was CE-certified in May 2021 and has been the standard approach since then. The conventional 3-incision technique was of not inconsiderable surgical duration, which per se is a burden for patients with certain amount of comorbidities.

Material and Methods We retrospectively studied the incision-suture times of all UAS implantations at the UKE and compared the two approaches.

Results The mean duration of all (n = 20) ORs was 162.8 min ± 44.9, and the mean OR duration of the 3-incision technique (n = 16) was 175.4 min ± 40.8, significantly longer than that of the new 2-incision technique (n = 4) of 112.3 min ± 14.8 (p < 0.05). The shortest OR time was 99.0 min, with a median of 108.5 min for the new approach. From the surgeon's perspective, in addition to the shortened duration, the significantly simplified procedure stood out.

Discussion In principle, the operating time should be as short as possible, not least from the patient's point of view, in order to keep the burden on the patient as low as possible. By reducing the number of "openings" by 1/3, a potential source of infection and thus complications has been reduced at the same time. In addition, shorter operating times mean a possibility to make the daily operating routine more cost-effective. In this respect, the introduction of the new 2-incision access is to be welcomed.

Conflict of Interest Der Erstautor weist auf folgenden Interessenkonflikt hin Der Vortragende erhielt finanzielle Unterstützung durch Inspire, Nyxoah, APrevent und ATI.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022