Plain-English translation of NCT04572503 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a new surgical approach called barbed suture modified anterior palatoplasty to treat sleep apnea—a condition where your throat narrows during sleep, causing you to stop breathing repeatedly. The surgery uses special barbed stitches that stay in place without knots, designed to gently open your airway by adjusting tissue in the soft palate at the back of your throat. This treatment is being tested for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea who have tried or cannot tolerate CPAP machines (the masks that deliver pressurized air).
Many people with sleep apnea struggle with CPAP machines because they're uncomfortable or hard to use consistently. This new surgical technique may offer an alternative that is simpler, less invasive, and more effective for certain patients.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you qualify and join this trial, you will undergo the barbed suture modified anterior palatoplasty surgery under general anesthesia. The procedure involves removing your tonsils and a small section of tissue from the soft palate, then carefully stitching the area with special barbed sutures to help open your airway. You will need to recover from surgery and return for follow-up visits so doctors can monitor how well the procedure worked and assess any improvements in your sleep apnea symptoms.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 6, 2026 · Not medical advice
Egypt
Sponsor
Benha University
Enrollment target
~20 participants
Started
October 2020
Primary completion
December 2025
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in August 2024.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Abdelrahman A Abdelalim, MD
Benha University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.