1094 Who Gets the Stim?: A Demographic Analysis of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Patients

Abstract Introduction In addition to traditional demographic analysis, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, provides a unique methodology that allows us to spatially analyze data and capture geographic data related to HNS patients. This study seeks to create geographic maps related to socioeconomic attributes of HNS patients in addition to relevant demographic and clinical data to better understand potential barriers to care for those seeking treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods A retrospective study was performed of patients who underwent HNS implantation at a tertiary care academic hospital from August 2011 to October 2021. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics were captured for each patient, both pre- and post-operatively. GIS was used to geocode patient addresses and perform spatial analyses to capture socioeconomic dynamics that may produce barriers to care for vulnerable populations. Maps were produced identifying distribution of patients relative to median household income, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and drive times to the hospital. Results 229 patients were included in this study. 167 patients were male and 62 were female. 222 patients implanted during this period identified as Caucasian. When considering median home value, median household income, and Area Deprivation Index, the cluster of patients within Pittsburgh most often lived in more affluent areas. However, more than 50% of patients lived greater than a 30-minute drive from the hospital where surgery and clinic appointments occurred. 90% of patients lived within 60 minutes of the hospital. Conclusion As hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) continues to expand its footprint in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is a dearth of demographic studies related to the populations currently being served by this treatment modality. This study uniquely seeks to meld clinical data with socioeconomic information to better understand recipients of HNS. Support (if any)