Airway Analysis in Sleep Apnea

Apnea affects a large percentage of the population; it is debilitating and has considerable economiAccurate diagnosis via polysomnography is technically difficult, expensive, and inconvenient. Treatmpressure, unacceptable to a high percentage of patients, surgical intervention, limited success andremovable/adjustable mandibular and tongue repositioning devices. Innovative techniques for low costtreatment planning and evaluation, especially aids to design and evaluation of repositioning devicesaccessibility of diagnosis and therapy through increased capacity of present clinical resources andthird party insurers. Clinical Imaging has developed prototype software for upper airway analysis whthese needs. The software visualizes and quantifies the airway via sagittal and cross-sectional imagrestrictions are easily located; this information could indicate conservative treatment. Airway dilarepositioning devices can be located and quantified; this information could indicate minimum advancereduce apnea symptoms. Innovative information is provided by a "local air- flow index" which may ind(turbulent flow) obstructions. Aims of Phase I are to simplify operation of the software and obtainclinical application. Phase II will include research to validate clinical efficacy, and extend imagi