Clinical Predictors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Computer‐Assisted Quantitative Videoendoscopic Upper Airway Analysis

Abstract

Upper airway Mueller's studies are predictive and useful (independent samples t test/Mann-Whitney U test, ROC) in identifying patients with OSA. With these sex and anatomic-site specific OSA predictors/formulas and this innovative clinical method, we hope to assist other surgeons with quantitative clinical diagnosis, assessment, surgical planning, and outcome assessment tools for OSA patients.

Retropalatal Müller grade is associated with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in non-obese Asian patients

“…Moreover, patients with OSA had a smaller than normal velopharyngeal cross-sectional area [35]. Retropalatal or retroglossal areas may be the most susceptible to collapse due to small areas.…”

A videoendoscopic evaluation of the upper airway in South East Asian adults with obstructive sleep apnea

“…It may also assist surgeons to accurately define the location of upper airway obstruction and address it with appropriate surgery [8]. Surgery following identification of specific area of obstruction is more likely to be successful than surgery done without knowing the obstructive site [9,10].…”

Nasopharyngoscopic evaluation of oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea

“…However, the mechanisms by which MAS improve OSA are not well understood and little is known about the effect of mandibular advancement on the anatomy of the upper airway. Nasopharyngoscopic assessment during wakefulness has been shown to be a useful approach to assessing the upper airway and may be able to predict the presence of OSA [13,14] and response to other treatments, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [15]. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanism of action of MAS by assessing their effect on upper airway anatomy using nasopharyngoscopy performed during wakefulness in patients with OSA.…”