Abstract

Dalya Al-Mohamadamin53909, Ahmed M Al-Jumaily53910* and Sherif Ashaat53911

In patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Upper Airway (UA) collapse occurs when the forces of the UA muscles become less than those produced by negative pressures, resulting in loose soft tissue (uvula and surroundings) at the back of the mouth. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) at a predetermined titration pressure normally provides continuous pressurized and humidified air to prevent airway collapse. However, many patients cannot tolerate high titration pressures, which may have health implications, such as stroke, especially in patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. A Super-Imposed Pressure Oscillation (SIPO) technique was proposed to reduce the titration pressure by superimposing the oscillating pressure on the CPAP-reduced pressure. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, this study focuses on developing a computer model to predict diagnostic parameters such as the Hydraulic Diameter (HD), Lateral Pharyngeal Wall (LPW) thickness, and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) under three scenarios: OSA, CPAP, and CPAP with SIPO. Head and neck MRI sessions were performed. UA obstruction is discussed in preparation for ANSYS (Analysis of Systems) analysis of the three scenarios at various times within the breath cycle. SIPO on CPAP showed significant improvement over CPAP treatment. Correlations between HD, AHI, LPW, and disease severity have been well established.