Palate shape is associated with Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim was to determine the potential association between palate shape and unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) outcomes.MethodsPreoperative drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) videos were reviewed and scored by 3 blinded reviewers to determine airway narrowing at the hard‐soft palate junction (HP), soft palate genu, and inferior velum, as described by Woodson (2014). Scoring was as follows: 1–open airway, 2–narrow, 3–severe narrowing. Overall palate shape (oblique, intermediate, or vertical) was determined based on prior criteria. Successful surgical treatment was defined by the HNS titration polysomnogram as a reduction of ≥50% in the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) to <15 events/h.ResultsOf 332 adults, the majority was male (77%) with an average BMI of 29.2 ± 3.6 kg/m2. Overall success rate was 73%. Success rate was lower in patients with vertical palate shape compared with the other shapes (56% vs. 75%, p = 0.029). HP score 3 compared with scores 2 and 1 was associated with lower success rates (60% vs. 76%, p = 0.028), but genu and velum scores were not associated with outcomes. Patients with both HP score 3 and complete oropharyngeal lateral wall‐related obstruction had notably worse outcomes (22% vs. 74%, p = 0.026). HP score 3 (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.22–0.92) and vertical palate shape (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.15–0.78) were independently associated with lower odds of surgical response after adjustment for DISE findings, age, gender, and BMI.ConclusionVertical palate shape and narrowing at the hard‐soft palate junction are independently associated with lower HNS surgical success rates.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:981–986, 2024