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Among the variables measured during sleep testing, the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) is one of the most important. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (episodes of shallow breathing) that occur each hour, on average.
In patients with an AHI below 10, the test is considered negative (or normal) and no further treatment or follow-up is required.
For any questions please call or text our office at 513-540-1207.
Among the variables measured during sleep testing, the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) is one of the most important. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (episodes of shallow breathing) that occur each hour, on average.
In moderate or severe sleep apnea, the AHI is 15 or higher. These patients will need to be treated with CPAP or some other type of device prior to surgery.
Our practice works with Cornerstone Medical to provide CPAP devices to patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea and help them get it set up. They will contact the patient directly to make this arrangement.
If an order was sent to Cornerstone on your behalf and they do not contact you within the next 48 hours, please contact them at 888-594-0066.
Patients who are diagnosed with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea must use their CPAP devices as prescribed in order to proceed with surgery, otherwise anesthesiology will cancel the procedure!
Among the variables measured during sleep testing, the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) is one of the most important. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (episodes of shallow breathing) that occur each hour, on average.
In moderate or severe sleep apnea, the AHI is 15 or higher. These patients will need to be treated with CPAP or some other type of device prior to surgery. Patients who have an AHI of 10-15 have mild sleep apnea. Treatment in this range is based on the severity of symptoms. Weight loss is proven as an effective treatment for mild sleep apnea, therefore it is our protocol to not recommend a sleep appliance for patients with an AHI of 10-15 who are preparing to undergo weight loss surgery. If symptoms persist after losing weight, then a referral to a sleep specialist may be recommended.
If you are diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and end up not proceeding with a weight loss procedure, we recommend that you follow up with your primary care provider for further recommendations.
Undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea has been shown to increase the risk of post-op lung complications such as pneumonia. For this reason, we have our patients who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have never been tested to complete an Epworth sleep apnea screening test.
For patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we also require compliance with CPAP (or whatever device was recommended at the time of testing). This means if you have a CPAP machine (or other device) we need you to use it! It also means if you were diagnosed with sleep apnea in the past but you do not have a CPAP, we will need to make arrangements for you to get one.
If a patient has been prescribed CPAP shows up for surgery and is found to be non-compliant, it is possible that anesthesia personnel will cancel the case, so this is an important step in the pathway to a safe, low-risk procedure!
Sleep apnea affects nearly 25 million adults in America by many estimates. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can be risky to your health, and can increase the risk of pulmonary issues after surgery. For this reason, we screen all our surgical patients for sleep apnea and test those who are at moderate or high risk. We will ask you to complete a STOP BANG sleep apnea survey and possibly an Epworth Sleepiness Scale. If indicated, we will set you up for a sleep test in your own home using a WatchPAT device.
WatchPAT is an FDA-approved portable diagnostic device that uses the most innovative technology to ensure the accurate screening, detection, and follow-up of sleep apnea. Its ease of use is unparalleled in the marketplace and it is greatly complemented by the fact that WatchPAT testing is done in the comfort of your own bedroom; an environment that best reflects the pattern of your sleep habits!
Please return your device to us within 24 hours of completing your testing so that we can transmit your results to our board-certified sleep physicians for interpretation.
Please watch the two videos below to better understand the disease of sleep apnea, and how to properly use your WatchPAT device to obtain an accurate sleep test in your very own bed!
Note: Acryllic nails or dark nail polish may interfere with the accuracy of WathPAT testing.