Investigating how lung volume affects throat collapse during sleep endoscopy for sleep apnea

Characterizing the Effects of Lung Volume on Upper Airway Patency During Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT05350332

This study is trying to see how changes in lung volume affect throat collapse during sleep tests in people with obstructive sleep apnea to help improve their treatment options.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05350332 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the relationship between lung volume and upper airway patency during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Participants will undergo DISE as part of their routine surgical evaluation for OSA, where a negative pressure ventilator will be used to manipulate lung volume. The goal is to better understand how lung function influences throat collapse, which could improve surgical outcomes for OSA patients. By exploring these pathophysiological factors, the study aims to enhance the selection process for surgical candidates and potentially lead to new treatment options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with obstructive sleep apnea who are interested in surgical treatment and have consented to undergo DISE.

Not a fit: Patients with significant uncontrolled medical comorbidities or those unable to tolerate the procedures involved may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between lung volume and throat collapse during DISE has not been extensively studied, similar approaches in evaluating pathophysiological factors have shown promise in improving surgical outcomes in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥ 18 yrs) willing and capable of providing informed consent
* Obstructive sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 5 events/hour)
* Must be willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study.
* Interested in surgical treatments of OSA and have consented for a DISE procedure as part of their routine clinical evaluation.

  * Patients are evaluated and cleared by anesthesia prior to the procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

* No significant uncontrolled medical co-morbidities (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina, uncompensated heart failure or COPD).
* Any medical comorbidity that would prevent the patient from receiving anesthesia or having surgery
* Inability to tolerate negative pressure ventilator or perform PFT (i.e. claustrophobia)
* No incapacitating disability that interferes with execution of the protocol

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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 Apnea
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.