Millar Mikro-Cath Pressure Catheter Used to Measure Esophageal Pressure in Long-term Sleep Study

HOUSTON, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Millar, Inc., a leader in medical device manufacturing, supports the increased understanding of airway physiology through the adoption of the Mikro-Cath pressure catheter in obstructive sleep apnea studies. The Mikro-Cath received 510(k) clearance for airway pressure measurements in March 2017. This newly cleared indication has enabled Dr. Richard Schwab, Professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, to incorporate high-fidelity pressure measurements in his sleep study to better understand the anatomical and physiological differences in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

The Mikro-Cath is currently being used to measure esophageal pressure changes and monitor upper airway pressures throughout the different sleep stages. The Millar catheter provides an easier way to measure pressures in these patients due to its reduced size and signal accuracy. 

The catheter technology supports the physiological component of the study and can be correlated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with the evaluation of sleep arousal, muscle responsiveness, loop gain, and air collapsibility. The study will incorporate 400 patients over the next 3 to 4 years. The end goal will be to understand the anatomical and physiological differences in sleep apnea patients with high BMI and those with normal BMI.

With an estimated 22 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea, research to identify the anatomical phenotypes is important for improving new treatment going forward and to reduce risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmias that can result from sleep apnea.

About Millar, Inc.
Since 1969, Millar, Inc. has led the development of catheter-based, solid-state pressure sensors and is known worldwide as the leader in sensors that advance medical understanding. Millar delivers precision catheter-based technology to measure high-fidelity physiological parameters for improved accuracy in patient evaluation. Today the company's clinical and life sciences products empower medical discovery and allow advanced cardiovascular diagnosis. Millar also delivers OEM solutions to the medical device and life sciences industries through our MEMS pressure sensors, ISO 13485 precision manufacturing, and wireless power technology.

SOURCE Millar, Inc.

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