Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in a patient with an Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulator device for obstructive sleep apnea: A case report

Abstract

Outcome objectives: METHODS: This is a case report of a patient who underwent placement and initiation of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator device in the context of receiving electroconvulsive therapy for bipolar depression between February and September 2016. To our knowledge, this has not yet been reported in the literature. Outcome measurements included successful device activation and successful device use throughout electroconvulsive therapy.

Results: The patient underwent successful device implantation, activation, and use without disruption throughout electroconvulsive therapy sessions. No special device deactivation was required during electroconvulsive therapy sessions.

Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes significant reduction in quality of life and is an independent risk factor for multiple comorbidities. Electroconvulsive therapy is an established treatment for medication-refractory depression with minimal risk in most patient populations. This is the first report in the literature of a patient undergoing ECT for bipolar depression with recent activation of Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulator who had no disruption in the function of his implanted device.

Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy; Hypoglossal nerve stimulator; Inspire device; Obstructive sleep apnea.