Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pharyngeal collapse with partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. This study investigates the biomechanics of upper airway collapse of OSASH patients during natural sleep. Computerized tomography (CT) scans and data obtained from a device installed on OSASH patients, which is comprised of micro pressure sensors and temperature sensors, are used to develop a pseudo three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the upper airway. With consideration of the gravity effect on the soft palate while patients are in a supine position, a fluid–solid coupling analysis is performed using the FE model for the two respiratory modes, eupnea and apnea. The results of this study show that the FE simulations can provide a satisfactory representation of a patient’s actual respiratory physiological processes during natural sleep. The one-way valve effect of the soft palate is one of the important mechanical factors causing upper airway collapse. The monitoring data and FE simulation results obtained in this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of OSAHS and a theoretical basis for the individualized treatment of patients. The study demonstrates that biomechanical simulation is a powerful supplementation to clinical monitoring and evaluation.
Highlights
In 2020, the number of Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) cases was about one billion
OSAHS is potentially linked to the emerging pandemic as it may increase the risk of death from COVID-19 [5]
Airflow is caused by a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the airway, regardless of whether the OSAHS patient is sleeping in a eupnea or apnea state
Summary
In 2020, the number of OSAHS cases was about one billion. The direct and indirect diagnosis and treatment costs caused by OSAHS are challenges for the global healthcare system [1,2]. Airflow is caused by a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the airway, regardless of whether the OSAHS patient is sleeping in a eupnea or apnea state. (1) Carrying out clinical experiments, such as dynamic CT scans, on the OSAHS patient in a natural sleep state, and monitoring the interior cavity pressure of the airway during eupnea and apnea. (3) Determination of the outlet boundary conditions using the pressure values of the pharyngeal cavity obtained from the clinical monitoring sensors while the patient is sleeping under eupnea or apnea. The interaction between the internal fluid field of the patient’s airway and its surrounding tissues under the two different breathing modes (eupnea and apnea) was investigated This verifies the clinically observed one-way valve effect of the soft palate and makes it possible to investigate the pathogenesis of OSAHS from a mechanical perspective. The insights gained from this study could advance clinical diagnoses and the personalized treatment of OSAHS
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