Complete MRI scans to help predict sleep apnea surgery outcomes

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether special MRI scans can help doctors predict which surgical option will work best for children with obstructive sleep apnea (a condition where the airway closes during sleep). The research team will take detailed pictures and measurements of your child's airway using MRI—a safe imaging tool that doesn't use radiation—before and possibly after surgery. These images will help create a computer model that can predict how different surgeries might help your child breathe better at night.

Many children with sleep apnea don't get better after their first surgery (removing tonsils and adenoids), and other treatments like CPAP machines are hard for kids to use. There's a need for a better way to figure out which type of surgery will actually help each child, so doctors can choose the best option before surgery rather than after repeated unsuccessful procedures.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 3 and 18 years old
your child has moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea that didn't improve after tonsil and adenoid removal, or has not been treated with CPAP yet
your child has signs of upper airway obstruction, such as enlarged tongue tissues or a smaller lower jaw
your child's doctor believes surgery is needed to treat the sleep apnea
your child has either tried CPAP and it didn't work, or your family has decided to pursue surgery without trying CPAP first

You likely don't qualify if…

your child's sleep apnea is well-controlled with CPAP therapy alone
your child has metal braces, metal rods, or other metal implants that cannot be removed
your child cannot safely receive sedation (medication to help them relax during the MRI)
your child has other medical conditions that make MRI unsafe or impossible

What participation looks like

Your child will have MRI scans of their airway, which are like detailed pictures taken using a large scanner—the scans take about 30–60 minutes and your child may be given medication to help them stay still and comfortable. These scans may happen before surgery and again afterward to see how the airway changed. Your child may also have breathing tests or overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) as part of the study, and some measurements might be repeated at different CPAP pressure settings if needed.

Using MRI imaging to predict best surgery for children with sleep apnea

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)