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Hypopharyngeal and neck cross-sectional changes monitored by inductive plethysmography
G Liistro1, D Stănescu, G Dooms
1Pulmonary Laboratory, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|June 1, 1990
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using an inductive plethysmograph band to measure changes in extrathoracic airway (EA) cross-sectional area (CSA). This technique accurately assesses airway behavior during breathing events like obstructive apnea and snoring.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Medical Instrumentation
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Accurate assessment of extrathoracic airway (EA) cross-sectional area (CSA) changes is crucial for understanding respiratory disorders.
- Current methods for measuring EA CSA can be invasive or limited in scope.
- Non-invasive techniques are needed to evaluate dynamic EA behavior during breathing events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and validate a novel method for assessing extrathoracic airway (EA) cross-sectional area (CSA) changes using inductive plethysmography (IP).
- To establish the relationship between neck CSA changes measured by IP and EA CSA changes.
- To evaluate the utility of this method in studying respiratory events such as obstructive apnea and snoring.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an inductive plethysmograph (IP) band placed around the neck to measure neck cross-sectional area (CSA) changes.
- Measured mouth pressure (Pm) or flow rate (V) during respiratory efforts against high or infinite resistance.
- Performed simultaneous measurements of neck CSA (by IP) and EA CSA (by computerized tomography) during inspiratory and expiratory efforts against a closed airway.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a highly significant relationship between neck CSA changes (measured by IP) and EA CSA changes.
- Observed a high correlation between neck CSA and EA CSA during sustained respiratory efforts.
- Found that neck CSA changes were larger with positive than negative transmural pressures, indicating greater airway compliance during expiration.
Conclusions:
- The inductive plethysmography method provides a reliable and non-invasive means to assess extrathoracic airway (EA) cross-sectional area (CSA) dynamics.
- This technique is valuable for evaluating EA behavior during conditions like obstructive apnea, hypopneas, and snoring.
- The findings highlight the potential of this method for clinical research and diagnostics in respiratory medicine.