Rhythm Express Wearable System vs. Simultaneous Polysomnography for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults With Suspected or Observed Atrial Fibrillation

AF is a chronic, progressive, and debilitating cardiovascular disease that exacerbates other cardiovascular diseases and is a leading cause of morbidity (associated illness) and mortality (death). In addition, AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that leads to more hospitalizations than any other arrhythmia. Sleep disorders are also associated with a threefold increased mortality and literature suggests a doubled risk for stroke in people with OSA. Identification of OSA and treatment with CPAP is associated with a reduction in the stroke risk for OSA. Thus, early identification and treatment of AF and OSA may be of major societal benefit in reducing mortality and morbidity.

The Rhythm Express Wearable System consists of the RX-1 mini Cardiac Monitor, a Nonin or Viatom Pulse Oximeter, and an Android Cell Phone with the Rhythm Express Oximetry Application. The RS-1 Sleep Algorithm is a cloud-based software as a medical device (SWMD) that receives inputs from the two FDA-cleared wearable devices. The Algorithm, together with the two wearable devices, comprises the Rhythm Express Wearable System.

This multi-center, prospective, observational, confirmatory study is designed to compare sleep apnea severity classification provided by the RS-1 Sleep Algorithm with Polysomnography (PSG). The proposed research will confirm the accuracy of using the Rhythm Express Wearable System to detect apnea/hypopnea index of at least 5/15/30 in patients with observed or suspected atrial fibrillation by comparing it to data recorded in a PSG, which is considered to be the gold standard for sleep testing. In addition, the ability of the RX-1 mini to detect sleep and assess posture and respiratory rate during sleep will be evaluated.

This initiative represents a significant step towards simplifying the screening process for sleep disorders in people indicated for ambulatory cardiac monitoring.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female between 21-85 years of age at the time of informed consent.
• Subject has a documented or suspected atrial fibrillation.
• Subject has an indication for 48+ hours of cardiac monitoring due to non-sustained/paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias.
• STOP-BANG ≥ 2.
• Subject has capable cellular service at home.
• Willingness and ability to comply with the study protocol, including informed consent, all study visits, and the collection of adverse events at the telephone follow-up visit.
• Life expectancy > 6 months.
• Well-defined and stable diurnal behaviors and nocturnal sleep pattern defined as:

• Subject sets aside ample time to sleep to avoid insufficient sleep.
• Subject does not do shift work (work outside of the traditional 9 to 5 shift).

Exclusion criteria

• Uses short acting nitrates within 3 hours of the sleep study.
• Has a permanent pacemaker or ICD.
• Sustained atrial fibrillation or sustained supraventricular arrhythmias.
• Known congestive heart failure Class ≥ 1 or known LVEF < 45%.
• Active acute pulmonary exacerbation (e.g., pneumonia or bronchitis).
• Known serious respiratory or central nervous system disease that may alter respiratory pattern.
• Currently participating in or plans to participate in another study that could confound the results of this study.
• Cognitive or mental health status that would interfere with study participation and/or proper informed consent.
• Presence of other active medical conditions which could significantly alter pulmonary function.
• Recent (within 28 days) or expected (during study participation) travel over four or more time zones.
• History of opioid usage within the past 30 days.
• Diagnosis of insomnia that is not controlled by medication or other means.
• Currently using CPAP machine.