Intraoperative Ansa Cervicalis Nerve (ACN) Stimulation

Last updated: August 3, 2026
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Sleep Apnea Syndromes

Head And Neck Cancer

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Treatment

Nerve stimulation using nerve stimulation device and sterile wire electrode.

Clinical Study ID

NCT05650710
221998
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult patient (≥18 years old).

  • Scheduled for uni- or bilateral neck dissection (BND) for cervical lymphadenectomyof level IV and other indicated procedures for management of head and neck cancer.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Unable to consent for research due to a pre-existing neurologic condition asdetermined by PI.

  • Unable to consent for research due to language barriers.

  • History of prior neck surgery with transection of the infrahyoid strap muscles asdetermined by clinical history.

Study Design

Total Participants: 51
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Nerve stimulation using nerve stimulation device and sterile wire electrode.
Phase:
Study Start date:
February 28, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
October 20, 2025

Study Description

This is a single-arm physiology study. Consenting patients undergoing neck dissection (ND) for cervical lymphadenectomy of level IV will undergo dissection of the ansa cervicalis nerves to the infrahyoid strap muscles. Per routine care, a large incision is made across the neck to provide surgeons access to the cervical lymph nodes for extirpation. During this dissection, the branch(es) of the ansa cervicalis nerve plexus descending from the loop of the plexus and innervating the infrahyoid strap muscles (the "common trunk") are dissected uni- or bilaterally. For this study, measurements and photos/videos of the common trunks will be taken. An electrode will be placed on one or both common trunks to stimulate infrahyoid muscles.