Erica Thaler, M.D.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery Outcomes
Chart Review – closed
This is a retrospective cohort study of adults with moderate to severe OSA who are unable to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy. This is a multi-institutional study with at least 500 subjects, with at least 30 subjects coming from Penn.
TORS vs HGNS in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Chart Review – open
Comparison of Outcomes: TORS vs HGNS in OSA Patients with Anteroposterior Collapse on DISE. This is a retrospective chart review study comparing improvement in AHI scores of patients who received TORS or HGNS (hypoglossal nerve stimulation) for obstructive sleep apnea and had AP pharyngeal collapse on DISE.
Inspire-Device Interaction
Chart Review – open
Safety and Efficacy of Hypoglossal Nerve Upper Airway Stimulator in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and CPAP-Intolerant Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is a multi-site observational study to evaluate safety and efficacy of hypoglossal nerve upper airway stimulator in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. All patients with pre-existing CIED who underwent HNS implant for OSA will be enrolled and a registry database will be maintained.
Diagnostic Validation of DISE
Clinical Research – open
Pilot study for Diagnostic Validation of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) in Assessing Pattern of Airway Collapse for Surgical Intervention in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The aim of this study is to validate whether the pattern of collapse recorded during DISE mirrors that of natural sleep. Furthermore, we aim to develop a quantitative, in vivo model for airway collapse in order to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of OSA. We will achieve this by comparing the findings from DISE with aerodynamic readings from within the upper airway during natural sleep.