Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Sleep-related breathing disorders in diaphragmatic pathologies
Sema Sarac1, Cuneyt Salturk2, Ozlem Oruc2
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Istanbul Sureyyapasa Teaching and Training Hospital, University of Health Science, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey. semasarac16@hotmail.com.
Diaphragm pathologies often cause sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Surgery significantly improved breathing and pulmonary function test (PFT) results in patients with diaphragmatic eventration or paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The diaphragm is crucial for breathing, yet sleep disorders linked to diaphragmatic issues are understudied.
- Diaphragmatic pathologies can significantly impact respiratory function during sleep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare polysomnography (PSG) and pulmonary function test (PFT) results before and after surgery in patients with diaphragmatic pathologies.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical intervention in managing sleep-related breathing disorders associated with diaphragm dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 28 patients with diaphragm eventration or paralysis undergoing video-assisted mini-thoracotomy (VATS).
- Preoperative and 2-month postoperative PSG and PFTs were conducted for all participants.
Main Results:
- 89% of patients (25/28) had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5, indicating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Surgery led to significant improvements in AHI and PFT values.
- Sleep architecture, including total sleep time (TST) and REM sleep, showed notable changes post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Patients with diaphragm pathologies should undergo PSG to screen for OSA.
- Surgical intervention for diaphragmatic pathologies can effectively treat associated OSA, with most patients not requiring PAP devices post-surgery.
- Comorbidities should be considered when planning surgery for OSA in patients with diaphragmatic conditions.
More Related Videos
07:54Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
04:53Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement: