Virtual surgery for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Virtual Surgery of the Upper Airways-New Solutions to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Observational Norwegian University of Science and Technology · NCT04829201

This study is testing how virtual surgery can help people with obstructive sleep apnea by looking at their airway function before and after they have surgery to improve breathing.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorwegian University of Science and Technology Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Trondheim, Trøndelag and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04829201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who require surgical intervention to improve airway patency. It aims to include up to 30 patients undergoing functional septorhinoplasty or oropharyngeal/orthognathic surgery, with detailed assessments of nasal airflow and pressure, as well as ConeBeam CT scans of the upper airways before and after surgery. The study is part of a larger project that utilizes mathematical and computational modeling to enhance understanding of airway function and develop software tools for better diagnostics and treatment of OSA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who require surgical procedures to address nasal or oropharyngeal obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone nasal or oropharyngeal surgery or have used nasal decongestants or topical steroids in the last three months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, patient-specific surgical options for individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using computational modeling in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving surgical outcomes for sleep apnea.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Obstructive sleep apnea
* need either functional septorhinoplasty or oropharyngeal/orthognathic surgery in order to establish adequate airway patency
* have undergone sleep registration using polysomnography and ultrawideband radar
* on the subsequent clinical evaluation presenting either 1) intranasal obstruction, due to malalignment of the nasal septal cartilage or the nasal outer framework; and/or 2) oropharyngeal obstruction or retrognathia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* previous nasal or oropharyngeal surgery
* previous use of nasal decongestant or nasal topical steroids over the last 3 months

Where this trial is running

Trondheim, Trøndelag and 1 other locations

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 Sleep Apnea, ObstructiveSurgeryRhinoplastyNasal ObstructionSoft tissue biomechanics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.