Measurement, reconstruction, and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea

A. D. Lucey; P. R. Eastwood; D. R. Hillman; A. J. C. King; G. A. Tetlow; J. Wang; J. J. Armstrong; M. S. Leigh; A. Paduch; J. H. Walsh; D. D. Sampson

doi:10.1109/TBME.2010.2052808

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Measurement, reconstruction, and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea

Journal article

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Measurement, reconstruction, and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea

A. D. Lucey, P. R. Eastwood, D. R. Hillman, A. J. C. King, G. A. Tetlow, J. Wang, J. J. Armstrong, M. S. Leigh, A. Paduch, J. H. Walsh, …

IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering, Vol.57(10), pp.2535-2548

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2010.2052808

PMID: 20550980

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Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics

image processing

optical coherence tomography (OCT)

sleep apnea

upper airway anatomy

Repetitive closure of the upper airway characterizes obstructive sleep apnea. It disrupts sleep causing excessive daytime drowsiness and is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies simulating the underlying fluid mechanics are based upon geometries, time-averaged over the respiratory cycle, obtained usually via MRI or CT scans. Here, we generate an anatomically correct geometry from data captured in vivo by an endoscopic optical technique. This allows quantitative real-time imaging of the internal cross section with minimal invasiveness. The steady inhalation flow field is computed using a k- shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence model. Simulations reveal flow mechanisms that produce low-pressure regions on the sidewalls of the pharynx and on the soft palate within the pharyngeal section of minimum area. Soft-palate displacement and side-wall deformations further reduce the pressures in these regions, thus creating forces that would tend to narrow the airway. These phenomena suggest a mechanism for airway closure in the lateral direction as clinically observed. Correlations between pressure and airway deformation indicate that quantitative prediction of the low-pressure regions for an individual are possible. The present predictions warrant and can guide clinical investigation to confirm the phenomenology and its quantification, while the overall approach represents an advancement toward patient-specific modeling.

Details

Title: Measurement, reconstruction, and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea
Authors/Creators: A. D. Lucey - Curtin University
P. R. Eastwood - West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute
D. R. Hillman - West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute
A. J. C. King - Curtin University
G. A. Tetlow - Curtin University
J. Wang - Curtin University
J. J. Armstrong - Optical+Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
M. S. Leigh - The University of Western Australia
A. Paduch - The University of Western Australia
J. H. Walsh - West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute
D. D. Sampson - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering, Vol.57(10), pp.2535-2548
Publisher: IEEE
Identifiers: 991005591572907891
Murdoch Affiliation: Vice Chancellery
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.137 Sleep Science & Circadian Systems; 1.137.382 Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Biomedical
ESI research areas: Engineering