Mandibular advancement devices shorten desaturation duration in patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during intravenous propofol sedation in the decubitus position

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for increasing patient safety during sedated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip replacement (THR). Methods Forty patients undergoing TKA or THR surgery in the supine or lateral recumbent positions under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Sedation and oxygenation were administered. The MAD (Sweet Sleep Anti-Snoring Device®) was then placed after 15 min of observation. SpO2, PetCO2, blood pressure, and respiratory rate were recorded. Results Sedated patients in the decubitus position had higher saturation nadirs, shorter desaturation durations, shorter airway obstruction durations, and fewer rescue events than those in the supine position. In patients at a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), desaturation duration, obstruction duration, apnea duration, desaturation duration, and rescue events were significantly lower after MAD placement. However, the saturation nadir did not improve after MAD placement. Conclusion The MAD may shorten the duration of desaturation events during spontaneous breathing sedative procedures in the lateral recumbent position but not in the supine position. Breathing patterns did not change from nasal breathing to oral breathing or vice versa between pre- and post-placement of the MAD. Sedation score evaluation affects breathing pattern changes from oral breathing to nasal breathing and vice versa.