SUMMARY
Timothy I. Morgenthaler, M.D., studies complex sleep-disordered breathing, such as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, central alveolar hypoventilation and various kinds of central sleep apnea.
In collaboration with other researchers in Mayo Clinic's Center for Sleep Medicine, Dr. Morgenthaler conducts epidemiological and interventional studies to better understand the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and its effect on other important clinical outcomes, such as cardiovascular or endocrine complications. In addition, Dr. Morgenthaler and colleagues within the Center for Sleep Medicine study healthcare use and comparative effectiveness related to treatments and interventions in sleep disorders.
Together with colleagues from the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Dr. Morgenthaler uses analytics and consulting to improve the quality, safety and value of healthcare and create better patient experiences.
Focus areas
- Effect of adaptive servo-ventilation — a noninvasive ventilatory treatment option — for the treatment of central sleep apnea on healthcare use.
- Neurostimulation therapy for both obstructive and central sleep apneas.
- Personalized therapy for patients with sleep disorders.
- Virtual care in sleep medicine.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Morgenthaler looks for ways to improve treatment and quality of life for people with sleep-related breathing issues. For example, Dr. Morgenthaler and his team helped identify a condition now known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea — a type of sleep apnea that can appear when someone starts using treatment for another kind of sleep apnea. Their research led to the use of adaptive servo-ventilation, a new therapy that helps people breathe more normally during sleep. They also have been involved in pioneering new treatments for central sleep apnea, such as phrenic nerve stimulation therapy.
Dr. Morgenthaler has played a key role in creating national guidelines for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. These guidelines, supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, help healthcare teams across the country provide better care.
Professional highlights
- Vice chair, Quality — Enterprise, Mayo Clinic, 2019-present.