Episode # 246 • 04 Nov 2025
How Nasal Obstruction Impacts Sleep Apnea Treatment
If your patients still struggle with sleep apnea after other treatments, it might be time to look at the nose. In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Scott McCusker joins hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss the impact of nasal airway obstruction on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
03:10 - Evolution of Sleep Apnea Treatments
04:43 - Nasal Obstruction and Sleep Apnea
06:06 - Patient Evaluation and Diagnostic Techniques
07:54 - Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
09:56 - Challenges and Considerations in Nasal Surgery
17:10 - Innovations in Nasal Obstruction Treatments
25:49 - OSA Patient Workup and Treatment Planning
27:55 - Financial Aspects of DISE and VivAer
30:35 - Treating Chronic Rhinitis
34:48 - Nasal Surgery and Sleep Apnea Outcomes
41:20 - Post-Operative Care and Complications
43:36 - Weight Loss and Sleep Apnea
46:08 - Final Thoughts
Resources
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More about this episode
Dr. McCusker shares insights on his practice, evaluation techniques for nasal obstruction, and the use of minimally invasive procedures like VivAer. The conversation covers the importance of the septal swell bodies, the effectiveness of nasal treatments on OSA outcomes, and patient management strategies, including when to combine different surgical interventions. The episode also touches on post-operative care and the potential role of new technologies and treatments in enhancing patient outcomes.
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