New imaging technique could transform obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by intermittent airway blockages during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing. Despite advances in diagnostic tools, current methods for assessing the condition remain limited, often unable to provide a complete picture of the airway obstructions that occur during sleep. This has prompted the search for a more accurate, less invasive way to diagnose OSA and guide treatment decisions.

In a recent study reported in Biophotonics Discovery, researchers have explored a new imaging approach that could significantly improve how we diagnose and understand the causes of sleep apnea. The technique uses swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), a method typically employed in eye care, to visualize the upper airway with high precision. By integrating a special device into the OCT system, researchers were able to extend its range and capture detailed, high-resolution images of the airway during both awake and sleep states.

The study focused on a 28-year-old individual with sleep disorder breathing. Using the new OCT system, researchers were able to create 3D reconstructions of the upper airway, revealing significant changes between the person's awake and sleep periods. The greatest airway obstruction was found in the oropharynx, the area at the back of the mouth, which is commonly associated with OSA.

In addition to the OCT imaging, the study incorporated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to simulate airflow through the airway and pinpoint areas of turbulence, which are key indicators of obstruction. These combined techniques allowed the researchers to accurately identify where the most severe blockages occurred during sleep.

By providing clear, detailed images of the airway and airflow dynamics, this new method has the potential to revolutionize how OSA is diagnosed and treated. By offering a more precise understanding of the airway's structure and function, it could enhance surgical planning and improve outcomes for patients with OSA.

For details, see the original Gold Open Access article by J.C. Jing et al., "Optical coherence tomography to identify upper airway obstruction sites in an apneic patient," Biophotonics Discovery 1(3), 035002 (2024), doi: 10.1117/1.BIOS.1.3.035002.