Pillar Procedure
The Pillar Procedure is a simple, safe, minimally invasive treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstruction sleep apnea. During the Pillar Procedure, three tiny polyester implants are placed into the soft palate using a small delivery tool. These implants work together with the body’s natural fibrotic response, to add structural support and stiffen the soft palate over several years. This support and stiffening of the soft palate reduces the closing of the airway during sleep, preventing the vibrations that can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The Pillar Procedure does not require incisions or the removal of any soft palate tissue, so discomfort is minimal. This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office, and takes approximately 20 minutes. The Pillar Procedure may also be performed with other procedures that can improve breathing through the nose. Relieving any nasal blockage can help decrease snoring, and can also address the effects of sleep apnea. Some patients experience minimal swelling or discomfort for a day or two after the procedure, and use an over-the-counter pain reliever. You should not be able to see or feel the implants in your soft palate, and most people are able to resume normal activities and diet the same day of the procedure. Some patients report a noticeable improvement within weeks, and by three months, experience the full benefit of the Pillar Procedure.
Hyoid Suspension: Overview
Tongue base obstruction is a common finding in patients’ with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The tongue is composed of muscles and during sleep these muscles may relax and lose some of their tone. This can cause the tongue to collapse and fall backwards into the airway. This motion may obstruct the airway. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they have tongue base obstruction. Failure to recognize and properly treat tongue obstruction will result in persistent airway obstruction and snoring. As a result, a complete upper airway examination should be performed to determine if you have a tongue base obstruction. This evaluation will also allow your doctor to decide the best procedure to treat this problem. ? Hyoid suspension’s goal is to enlarge the airway by holding the muscles of the tongue forward. Several of the muscles of the tongue insert into the hyoid bone. The hyoid bone can be felt in your neck just above the thyroid cartilage (also referred to as the “Adam’s Apple”). A small incision in made in the neck and the hyoid bone is pulled forward. This motion pulls the muscles of the tongue base forward and reduces the chance of airway collapse during sleep. ?The procedure takes 30 minutes and most patients can return to work within 2-3 days. Over-night hospitalization is recommended and pain is minimal.
Genioglossus Advancement: Overview
Tongue base obstruction is a common finding in patients’ with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The tongue is composed of muscles and during sleep these muscles may relax and lose some of their tone. This can cause the tongue to collapse and fall backwards into the airway. This motion may obstruct the airway. ? Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they have tongue base obstruction. Failure to recognize and properly treat tongue obstruction will result in persistent airway obstruction and snoring. As a result , a complete upper airway examination should be performed to determine if you havea tongue base obstruction. This evaluation will also allow your doctor to decide the best procedure to treat this problem. ? One such procedure is genioglossus advancement. The genioglossus is a muscle of the tongue. This procedure is designed to “pull” the genioglossus muscle forward to prevent it from falling back into the airway during sleep. Typically, bed partners often ask snorers to lay on their side or chest to stop the snoring. These positions reduce the chance of the tongue falling backwards. This is the basic concept of this surgical technique. ?The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and can be performed as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with nasal and palatal procedures. An over-night stay in the hospital is recommended. Swelling and mild pain are expected. Most patients are able to return to work within a week.
UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty): Overview
Very commonly, the uvula and soft palate are the source of snoring and airway obstruction. The uvula is the soft tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth. Both the soft palate and uvula consist of complex muscles covered by a mucous membrane. In patients with snoring or sleep apnea, uvula is either too long or too thick, which may result in obstruction of the airway. ? Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, also known as UPPP, is designed to treat excessive tissue of the soft palate and/or uvula that is blocking the airway. There are many different variations of this surgical technique. One such variation is the Uvulopalatal Flap. This surgical technique is less invasive than traditional approaches. Instead of removing a large amount of tissue, the uvulopalatal flap repositions the tissue of the soft palate. This allows for a less painful recovery while achieving significant widening of the throat. In order to determine which palatal surgery is best for you, your doctor will need to evaluate your airway. Our surgical philosophy is to offer the technique which provides the best outcome. So, we customize our surgical plan based upon your pattern of airway obstruction. ?UPPP can be performed alone or in combination with other surgical procedures. If tonsils are present, a tonsillectomy can be performed at the same time. Typically, an over-night stay in the hospital is recommended. The surgery is usually completed in less than 45 minutes. Swelling and pain are expected after surgery. Medications will be provided to ease your recovery. Most patients will remain on a soft diet for 7-10 days after surgery.