Mechanisms of pharyngeal collapse in obstructive sleep apnoea defined by optical coherence tomography [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Eastwood (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Hillman ,  Prof David Sampson

Brief description Obstructive sleep apnoea is characterised by intermittent collapse of the upper airway (throat) resulting in episodes of decreased blood oxygen levels, increased blood pressure and sleep disruption. Obstructive sleep apnoea is common, affecting 5% of middle-aged adults, and is associated with worsening health, increased motor vehicle accidents and increased risk of heart disease. However the mechanisms responsible for obstructive sleep apnoea are not well understood. One reason for this lack of understanding is that current diagnostic techniques can not accurately measure changes in the size and shape of the upper airway during sleep. Such information is vital for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. This project proposes to use a technique called endoscopic optical coherence tomography (eOCT), recently developed by ourselves, to measure the changes in upper airway size and shape in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea during wakefulness and, importantly, during sleep. A prototype of the system has been developed. Preliminary in vivo studies have been performed in the human upper airway and the results from these preliminary trials have been published. To our knowledge, world-wide, this is the only such system capable of making these measurements. The studies proposed in this application will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnoea and may lead to the development of greatly improved and more specific treatments that are tailored to the exact needs of the individual patient.

Funding Amount $AUD 476,764.67

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant