Remotely Controlled Mandibular Positioning During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Toward Mandibular Advancement Device Therapy: Feasibility and Protocol.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The potential of a remotely controlled mandibular positioner (RCMP) during sleep studies in individual patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the determination of the effective target protrusive position (ETPP) of the mandible has been demonstrated. The research goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of the application of RCMP during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for the determination of ETPP. METHODS: Ten patients in whom OSA was diagnosed (50% male; age 54 +/- 9.5 years; body mass index 26.9 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2); apnea-hypopnea index 28.4 +/- 13.2 events/h) were enrolled prospectively. Dental RCMP trays were fitted during wakefulness. Maximal protrusion and edge-to-edge positions were measured. Upper airway collapsibility was scored during DISE, including full-range mandibular RCMP titration within 45 minutes. ETPP was defined as the mandibular threshold protrusion yielding a stable upper airway in the absence of snoring, oxygen desaturation and apneas. RESULTS: RCMP trays were retentive and no adverse reactions occurred. RCMP was fitted intraorally prior to sedation with maxillary and mandibular trays in edge-to-edge position. Upon sedation, progressive protrusion was performed followed by reversed titration until ETPP was noted. In one patient ETPP was not within the mandibular range of motion. In one patient RCMP needed to be removed because of clenching. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study illustrate that it is feasible to use RCMP during DISE and to determine ETPP within 45 minutes. Comparative research with polysomnography would be useful to further validate the therapy outcome upon use of RCMP during DISE.