Philips study re-examines ASV

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. - Adaptive servo ventilation is an effective treatment for patients with complex sleep apnea, according to a new study from Royal Philips. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, compared four ASV devices with different algorithms, including the Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV, and the ASV device that was originally associated with greater mortality in patients during a trial in 2015. This study suggests that the underlying adverse effect of ASV may be secondary to excessive ventilation due to device-based effect. “The pursuit for scientific understanding of various disease and treatment processes is an iterative process where we revisit successes and failures to deepen our understanding of disease processes,” said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a lead investigator on the study, professor of medicine and interim chief of Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at University of Arizona College of Medicine. “It's imperative we keep this in mind and re-visit previous studies when technological advancements show promise for a certain type of therapy. Today, ASV isn't used in certain clinical settings due to safety concerns associated with the therapy in patients with congestive heart failure and predominant central sleep apnea. Now, through devices with smarter algorithms, providers can potentially ensure that patients are getting the right treatment and, thereby, improve treatment approaches in patients with complex or central sleep apnea.”