Fiber-optic pharyngoscopy for obstructive sleep apnea


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Fiber-optic pharyngoscopy for obstructive sleep apnea


Fiber-optic pharyngoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look into the upper part of your respiratory system Click here to see an illustration.. He or she may use it to help decide how to treat your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

You remain awake during the procedure. Your doctor gives you medicine (anesthesia) to numb your throat and then places a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) inside your nostril and gently guides the tube into your throat. A camera at the end of the tube sends pictures to a video monitor.

This process is sometimes done while you are using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to find the areas in your airway that collapse during sleep.

Credits


Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD

- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD

- Sleep Disorders
Last Updated July 13, 2007

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Last updated: July 13, 2007
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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