140 - Dr. Eric Thuler - Tongue Reduction Surgery for OSA

Sleep Apnea Stories

Emma is joined by Dr. Eric Thuler, an adjunct Professor in sleep surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode:

* Dr. Thuler explains how he trained in medicine and got into otolaryngology for his residency.

* Eric explains research into DISE and CT scans of OSA patients.

* Research with myofunctional therapists and how tongue positioning could change the airway.

* Joining the group at University of Pennsylvania to develop a way to measure upper airway collapsibility.

* Questioning whether AHI is the best measure for OSA when it is really the effort to breathe which depends upon collapsibility.

* Research into soft tissue volume and how that didn't show a relationship to increased collapsibility. However, they found that increased tongue volume did indicate a higher collapsibility of the airway.

* Using the Da Vinci system to do less invasive surgery.

* Looking at narrow and underdeveloped jaws and how that affects whether there is enough room for the tongue.

* Dr. Thuler explains that obstructive sleep apnea requires choosing the right treatment option for the right patient.

Dr. Eric Thuler:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric-Thuler

https://oto.med.upenn.edu/research-clinical-trials/clinical-research/sleep-surgery/

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Disclaimer: This podcast episode includes people with sleep apnea discussing their experiences with medical procedures and devices. This is for information purposes only and you should consult with your medical professionals before starting or stopping any medication or treatment.

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