Intraoperative Ansa Cervicalis Nerve (ACN) Stimulation

Description

Recently published data suggest that stimulation of the infrahyoid strap muscles increases pharyngeal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but the innervation of these muscles by the ansa cervicalis is variable. The investigators propose a study examining the anatomic variation of the ansa cervicalis and the effect of neurostimulation on muscle recruitment.

Conditions

Head and Neck Cancer, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Recently published data suggest that stimulation of the infrahyoid strap muscles increases pharyngeal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but the innervation of these muscles by the ansa cervicalis is variable. The investigators propose a study examining the anatomic variation of the ansa cervicalis and the effect of neurostimulation on muscle recruitment.

Intraoperative Identification and Stimulation of the Ansa Cervicalis Nerve Plexus

Intraoperative Ansa Cervicalis Nerve (ACN) Stimulation

Condition
Head and Neck Cancer
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Nashville

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Adult patient (≥18 years old).
  • * Scheduled for uni- or bilateral neck dissection (BND) for cervical lymphadenectomy of level IV and other indicated procedures for management of head and neck cancer.
  • * Unable to consent for research due to a pre-existing neurologic condition as determined by PI.
  • * Unable to consent for research due to language barriers.
  • * History of prior neck surgery with transection of the infrahyoid strap muscles as determined by clinical history.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Vanderbilt University Medical Center,

David T. Kent, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Study Record Dates

2025-12