Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in adults with Sleep Disordered Breathing: Technique and the VOTE Classification System.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) offers an unique evaluation of the upper airway. After pharmacologic induction of unconscious sedation, fiberoptic endoscopic examination of the pharynx can characterize the pattern of upper airway obstruction. The authors describe DISE techniques and the VOTE Classification system for reporting DISE findings. The VOTE Classification focuses on the primary structures that contribute to upper airway obstruction and represents a common language to describe the patterns of obstruction during DISE. The latter can facilitate the scientific evaluation of DISE, including its role in directing treatment.