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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
When a snore means more
Rochelle Goldberg1, Edward Grandi
1American Sleep Apnea Association, USA.
AHIP Coverage
|May 21, 2008
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition linked to a unique human anatomical feature. This feature in the oropharynx can cause upper airway obstruction during sleep.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Sleep Medicine
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was first described in the 1960s.
- Human anatomy, specifically the oropharynx, plays a role in OSA.
- This unique human anatomical feature, essential for speech, can lead to airway obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the anatomical basis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- To understand the evolutionary and anatomical factors contributing to OSA in humans.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical structures involved in human respiration and speech.
- Analysis of the oropharyngeal space and its relation to airway patency.
Main Results:
- The oropharynx, a space unique to humans, is implicated in OSA.
- This anatomical region, crucial for speech, can become obstructed during sleep.
- Human evolution has resulted in an airway anatomy susceptible to obstruction.
Conclusions:
- The unique oropharyngeal anatomy of humans contributes to the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Understanding this anatomical predisposition is key to managing OSA.
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