The Whimsical Nature of Airway Obstruction during Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy

Abstract

A 47‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sought alternatives to positive airway pressure, prompting evaluation with drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). He underwent a specialized DISE with nasal airflow and pharyngeal pressure monitoring. During obstructive apneas, airflow and pressure signals demonstrated dynamic, multilevel upper airway collapse, with shifting sites of airflow obstruction as respiratory effort increased. This case report illustrates how quantitative airflow and pressure measurements can complement the standard DISE exam and aid in surgical decision‐making. Laryngoscope, 2024