Clinical Research Directory

Upper Airway's Pressure Drop Analyses After Mandibular Advancement and Maxillary Expansion

Breathing is a crucial function for everyone. Breathing impairment in children could lead to behavioral and cognitive problems at least. But what if orthodontic treatment could help those patients to breathe better, with less effort? This research proposal aims to find out if the increase in the upper airway volume seen in some research results can be related to a decrease in respiratory effort and an improvement in the breathing capacity of those patients. In other words, if a tube shape is changed or if a tube is enlarged, would the airflow passing inside the tube change in velocity? Or would there be more air? Therefore, investigating the pressure/airflow, volume/lumen relation and its possible changes after mandibular repositioning and maxillary expansion in children will lead to a better understanding of how orthodontics could potentially affect the upper airway. Previous studies have reported a link between mandibular advancement appliances and maxillary appliances to an increase in the upper airway volume. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between the changes in the upper airway volume and actual airflow and respiratory capability. The airway volume measurement is important to, preliminary, state if there is an increase in the upper airway after orthodontic treatment. However a change in shape, even with the same volume, can affect the pressure and airflow. In this sense, the pressure drop analysis will allow an answer to those questions

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Belgian Registry

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) therapy (Inspire system) is intended for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot be effectively treated with the first-line treatment options. Recently, the request for reimbursement of the Inspire system in Belgium was approved. The aim is to create a multi-center registry of OSA patients that are treated with HNS (Inspire system) within routine clinical care in Belgium.

Non-inferiority Analysis of Two Titration Methods for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) therapy (Inspire system) is intended for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot be effectively treated with the first-line treatment options. Approximately 3 months after activation of HNS therapy, a fine-tuning sleep study is performed. To date, the standard of care involves an in-laboratory overnight titration PSG, which assesses the device settings and, if necessary, the stimulation strength will be adjusted based on observed respiratory events and/or snoring. Considering the growing patient population, the performance of these overnight titrations can become logistically challenging and labor-intensive. Recently, the feasibility of using a daytime PSG as an alternative to a conventional overnight PSG for titration of HNS therapy was demonstrated. The aim of this study is to further investigate this technique by performing a non-inferiority analysis of daytime versus overnight PSG for titration of HNS therapy in patients with OSA.

The Role of Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) in Apneic Ventilation

Background: The Oxygen Reserve Index (ORI) is a non-invasive parameter utilizing multi-wavelength pulse co-oximetry. ORI can provide early warnings of deteriorating oxygenation before changes are reflected in SpO₂ levels. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of non-ventilated intubation in patients undergoing cholecystectomy as a means to achieve safe intubation without nasogastric tube placement, with reduced trauma and cost, and improved time efficiency.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation

Multi-center, open-label, prospective, randomized clinical trial of the aura6000(R) System for the reduction of apnea and hypopneas in adult patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have failed or are unwilling to use positive airway pressure treatment.

Different Low Flow Rates on Gas Exchange in Children During Apnea

Effect of Low flow apneic oxygenation in pediatrics on rate of accumulation of transcutaneous carbon dioxide also, had been studied, compared to high flow rates. Furthermore, a recent study in apneic anesthetized adult discussed the rate of accumulation of carbon dioxide in arterial blood during 4 min of apnea but, no study in pediatrics discussed the effect of different low flow rates on rate of carbon dioxide accumulation during a period of apnea. Aim of the study: the authors aim to study the effect of different flow rates of low flow oxygenation during 3 min of apnea in anesthetized children on the rate of accumulation of carbon dioxide

Effects of Walking Apnea At High Lung Volume on Hypoalgesia

The aim of this randomized controlled study is to explore the hypoalgesic response of a 6 minutes of intermittent walking apneas training session at high lung volume in healthy subjects; also, as secondary objectives, to analyze the cardiovascular and respiratory response produced during the intervention.