Analysis of the dynamic relationships between the lingual artery and lingual markers in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Purpose: To determine the relationships between the lingual artery and the lingual markers in tongue resting and extended positions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) for the clinical application of functional tongue surgery.

Method: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the lingual artery was performed on 30 OSAHS patients using a 16-slice spiral CT scanner. The anatomical relationships between the lingual artery and the lingual markers were analyzed with the tongue in resting and extended positions using the CTA images.

Comparison of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus propofol target-controlled infusion for sedation during coblation-assisted upper airway procedure.

Background: Sedation for the coblation-assisted upper airway procedure has lacked easy modulation between appropriate pain control and airway protection. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus target controlled propofol infusion in providing sedation during a coblation-assisted upper airway procedure.

Methods: In a prospective, randomized trial, 60 adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome due to undergoing a coblation-assisted upper airway procedure were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive dexmedetomidine, 1.

[Localization of upper airway stricture by CT scan in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during drug-induced sleeping].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of multi-slice spiral CT scan to localize upper airway stricture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) during drug-induced sleeping.

Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients diagnosed as OSAS by polysomnography were included in the study. Multi-slice spiral CT scan covering upper airway was performed at the end of inspiration and clear upper airway images were obtained in waking.