Rhinology, Skull Base, and Sleep Surgery Research

Vanderbilt Rhinology, Skull Base, and Sleep Surgery participates in a variety of basic science, clinical and translational research including:

• Exploring novel nerve stimulation to create the next generation of airway stimulators.
• Examining trends and outcomes in patients with sinus inflammatory disease and tumors.
• Biochemical analysis of sinus mucus and tissue specimens to tailor patient treatment.

The Vanderbilt Sinonasal Diseases Research Lab, directed by Justin Turner, MD, PhD,  performs basic and translational research into chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, and investigates basic mechanisms of olfactory loss in humans. Dr. Turner has recently been awarded more than $4 million in NIH funding. Members of the lab include faculty members in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery, residents, medical and undergraduate students, and clinical research coordinators.

The Kent Lab, directed by David Kent, MD, focuses on the neurophysiology of the upper airway, especially mechanisms for control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Kent has recently been awarded more than $4 million from the NIH to study the physiologic effects of ansa cervicalis stimulation (ACS), a novel neurostimulation therapy for sleep apnea first described at VUMC.

Rhinology, Skull Base, and Sleep Surgery Clinical Trials

Vanderbilt Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our sub-specialties, including Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial.