What is Adaptive Servo Ventilation (ASV)?
Adaptive Servo Ventilation (ASV) is an advanced, non-invasive therapy designed to treat central sleep apnea (CSA) and other forms of complex sleep-disordered breathing. Unlike traditional Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, which provide a constant airflow, ASV dynamically adjusts pressure support based on a patient’s breathing patterns, ensuring a more natural and comfortable therapy experience.
How Does ASV Work?
ASV continuously monitors your breathing throughout the night and automatically responds to irregularities. It delivers variable pressure levels tailored to your unique needs:
- Detects Breathing Irregularities – ASV tracks the depth and rate of your breaths, identifying pauses or reductions in airflow.
- Adjusts Pressure Support – When your breathing slows or stops, the ASV device increases pressure to stimulate normal breathing. When breathing stabilizes, the pressure is reduced to maintain comfort.
- Maintains a Stable Breathing Pattern – The system helps prevent both central and mixed apneas by ensuring consistent ventilation support.
What Does ASV Measure?
ASV devices gather real-time data on:
- Breathing rate and depth
- Airflow fluctuations
- Apnea and hypopnea events
- Oxygen saturation (if equipped with an oximetry sensor)
- Pressure adjustments made throughout the night
This data helps specialists at Manse Medical assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments to improve therapy outcomes.
Who Needs ASV?
ASV therapy is recommended for patients diagnosed with:
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – A condition where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR) – A pattern of abnormal breathing commonly seen in patients with heart failure.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – When CSA emerges during the use of CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
If you experience irregular breathing patterns during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, or wake up gasping for air, our specialists at Manse Medical can determine whether ASV is a suitable treatment option for you.
Preparing for ASV Treatment
If ASV therapy is recommended for you, our team will guide you through a structured process to ensure optimal results:
- Comprehensive Sleep Study – A diagnostic sleep study (polysomnography) will assess your breathing patterns and determine the severity of your condition.
- ASV Trial and Titration – If indicated, you may undergo an overnight sleep study with ASV to fine-tune the settings to your specific needs.
- Device Setup and Education – Once prescribed, you will receive an ASV device, along with thorough training on its use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up – Regular follow-ups with our specialists ensure that the therapy is working effectively and adjustments are made as needed.
At Manse Medical, we are committed to helping you achieve better sleep and improved respiratory health. If you have any questions about ASV or wish to schedule a consultation, contact us today.