Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder caused by repetitive collapses of the upper airways during sleep, resulting in reduced breathing, oxygen desaturation and sleep disturbances. It is well documented that OSA has a massive impact on global health [1-4], with approximately 20% of the adult population affected. OSA endpoints are cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, stroke and ischemic heart disease. OSA is also linked to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Surgical treatment is frequently been performed, but long-term outcomes are still uncertain. The current project will combine research from engineering science and medicine for patient-specific diagnostics and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). When evaluating treatment options, clinicians are currently relying on general guidelines and personal experience, but they are lacking objective and predictive decision support tools. This project will provide required insight and software tools for computer-aided diagnostics and treatment of OSA through the promotion of virtual surgery. Thereby, OSA patients can be treated more targeted, with reduced risk for the patient and reduced cost for society.
[1] Akre, H., B. Øverland, and O. Skatvedt, Respirasjonsforstyrrelser under søvn. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening, 2009. 129: p. 1762-1765.
[2] Becker, H.F., Effect of Nasal Continous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Blood Pressure in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Circulation, 2003. 107: p. 68-73.
[3] Ip, M., et al., Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Independently Associated with Insulin Resistance. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2002. 165: p. 670-676.
[4] Van Hirtum, A., et al., When a fluid-structure interaction keeps you awake. 2007, in R.T. Ferber (ed.): Progress in Sleep Apnea Research. p. 41-76.
