Validation of novel automatic ultra-wideband radar for sleep apnea detection

Yong Zhou; Degui Shu; Hangdi Xu; Yuanhua Qiu; Pan Zhou; Wenjing Ruan; Guangyue Qin; Joy Jin; Hao Zhu; Kejing Ying; Wenxia Zhang; Enguo Chen

doi:10.21037/jtd.2020.02.59

Validation of novel automatic ultra-wideband radar for sleep apnea detection

J Thorac Dis. 2020 Apr;12(4):1286-1295. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2020.02.59.

Authors

Yong Zhou^{1

2}, Degui Shu¹, Hangdi Xu¹, Yuanhua Qiu¹, Pan Zhou¹, Wenjing Ruan¹, Guangyue Qin³, Joy Jin², Hao Zhu⁴, Kejing Ying¹, Wenxia Zhang¹, Enguo Chen¹

Affiliations

¹ Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
² Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
³ Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China.
⁴ Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuyi Campus, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.

Abstract

Background: To validate the accuracy of ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless radar for the screening diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Methods: One hundred and seventy-six qualified participants were successfully recruited. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) results from polysomnography (PSG) were reviewed by physicians, while the radar device automatically calculated AHI values with an embedded chip. All results were statistically analyzed.

Results: A UWB radar-based AHI algorithm was successfully developed according to respiratory movement and body motion signals. Of all 176 participants, 63 exhibited normal results (AHI <5/hr) and the remaining 113 were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Significant correlation was detected between radar AHI and PSG AHI (Intraclass correlation coefficient 0.98, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed high sensitivity and specificity. High concordance in participants with varying gender, age, BMI, and PSG AHI was reached.

Conclusions: The UWB radar may be a portable, convenient, and reliable device for obstructive sleep apnea screening.

Keywords: Non-contact; apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); screening; ultra-wideband radar.