Evaluating airway obstruction patterns in sleep apnea patients

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE): Phenotyping Obstruction Patterns

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT05050383

This study is testing how different factors cause airway blockages in people with sleep apnea to help create personalized treatment plans.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment241 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05050383 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study utilizes drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to assess upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). By applying nasal pressure during DISE, the researchers aim to derive functional determinants of airflow obstruction and identify specific anatomical and neuromuscular factors contributing to the condition. The study will incorporate advanced imaging techniques, including CT and submental ultrasound, to enhance the understanding of airway dynamics. Ultimately, the goal is to develop personalized treatment solutions based on the unique mechanisms of pharyngeal collapse observed in each patient.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are English-speaking and seeking alternatives to CPAP for sleep disordered breathing.

Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking alternatives to CPAP or those who do not require a DISE procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to evaluate airway obstruction, but this specific methodology is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults (≥ 18yrs) willing and capable of providing informed consent.
2. English-speaking \& able to give Informed Consent.
3. Referred or scheduled for clinically indicated DISE procedure.
4. Seeking CPAP alternatives for treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* None

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obstructive Sleep Apneasleep apneadrug-induced sleep endoscopysnoring
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.