Abstract
Oral appliances are considered as an effective alternative of CPAP devices in the treatment of OSAS.
The essential techniques to evaluate the efficacy of a novel oral appliance are MRI image segmentation of upper airway structures and polysomnographic variables.
The aim of this study is to introduce a novel mouthpiece device for the treatment of OSAS patients and to evaluate its efficacy.
The proposed mouthpiece device design increases intraluminal pressure while reshaping the lower jaw and tongue position during oral breathing.
MRI images of upper airway for each patient were taken with and without the mouthpiece device. The oropharyngeal volumes of the participants have been reconstructed as 3D models.
Afterwards, each patient attended the sleep laboratory on two nights (with and without the proposed device) for full diagnostic polysomnography.
The use of proposed device enlarged the oropharynx volume 75% on average while reducing the respiratory disturbance index by 60% on average.
On the other hand, the polysomnographic variables have been significantly improved by the use of novel mouthpiece device
The clinical results show that the proposed mouthpiece design offers a promising alternative for OSAS patients.
- Copyright ©the authors 2017