TITLE:
Lead Detachment and Chest Wall Hematoma Following Minor Physical Exertion in a Patient with an Implanted Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Palak Grover, Gurleen Kaur
KEYWORDS:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator, Chest Wall Hematoma
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) using the Inspire device (Inspire Medical Systems) has emerged as an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who are intolerant of or non-adherent to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. While the overall safety profile of HNS is favorable, device-related complications including lead fracture, lead migration, and hematoma formation have been reported. This case describes a 62-year-old woman with moderate-to-severe OSA (pre-implant AHI 34 events/h, Epworth Sleepiness Scale 14, BMI 29.8 kg/m2) and an implanted Inspire device who developed acute chest wall hematoma after the respiratory sensing lead detached from the implantable pulse generator (IPG) during the act of lifting her dog, approximately two years after implantation. The hematoma was managed conservatively, and the patient subsequently underwent successful outpatient surgical revision with lead reconnection. This case highlights the potential for late lead detachment following seemingly minor physical exertion and adds to the growing body of literature on device-related complications of upper airway stimulation therapy.