3D sleep MRI to map where the airway closes in sleep apnea
Novel 3D Quantitative Dynamic MRI to Characterize Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A new 3D MRI scan that watches your airway during sleep to show where and how it collapses for people with obstructive sleep apnea who can't use CPAP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a specially designed MRI scan while sleeping (or mimicking sleep) that uses new airway coils and fast 3D imaging to capture the full airway motion. The team will combine motion-robust spiral MRI with artificial-intelligence image processing to produce clear, time-resolved 3D images and quantitative measures of airway collapse. They will test and refine the method by scanning people being considered for hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery and comparing the MRI findings to current screening approaches. The aim is to create a non-invasive, 3D, quantitative alternative to drug-induced sleep endoscopy to better guide treatment choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP or who are being evaluated for hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without obstructive sleep apnea, children, or anyone with MRI-incompatible implants or devices may not be eligible or benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors pick better, more personalized treatments (like hypoglossal nerve stimulation) without an invasive endoscopic procedure.
How similar studies have performed: Other groups have used dynamic MRI or drug-induced sleep endoscopy to look at airway collapse, but this fully 3D, motion-robust, quantitative MRI approach combined with deep learning is novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lingala, Sajan Goud — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Lingala, Sajan Goud
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.