Somnoplasty
There are two different procedures where the Somnoplasty device
is currently being used :
1) Turbinate Reduction - for reduction in the turbinates
of the nose, to help with nasal breathing.
2) Palate Reduction - for snoring.
Please click on these links for more details on these procedures,
which are easy to perform in the office at your convenience.
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Somnoplasty Soft Palate/Uvula Procedure
Procedure: The Somnoplasty procedure for reduction of soft
tissue including the soft palate/uvula, may reduce the severity
of snoring in some individuals.
Background: The Somnoplasty procedure has been cleared by
the FDA for the treatment of habitual snoring. The Somnoplasty
procedure uses low-power, low-temperature radiofrequency energy
to reduce and stiffen the tissues of the soft palate and uvula.
The treated tissue is heated just enough to damage the cells
in the immediate area of the electrode. Over the next six
to eight weeks, the treated tissue is removed naturally by
the body, reducing and tightening the tissue causing your
snoring.
This procedure will be performed in the office and typically
takes approximately 30 minutes. It will involve numbing the
palate with an injection of local anesthetic, followed by
placement of the Somnus electrode in the palate during treatment.
After a short period of observation, you should be able to
drive home, or resume normal activities.
Most patients have noted varying degrees of oral and throat
discomfort controllable with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, lasting
about three days. They also noted local palatal and uvular
swelling, which temporarily worsens the snoring and usually
lasts about one week. Other less common risks may include
mild ulceration, palatal fistula, or loss of the uvula. Life-threatening
swelling, severe pain, bleeding, infection, or long-lasting
changes in voice or ability to swallow are all potential risks,
but are highly unlikely.
Early and limited results indicate that the Somnoplasty procedure
can decrease or eliminate snoring in the majority of patients
that meet the indicated parameters for patient selection (including,
but not limited to: state of health, body mass, upper airway
anatomy, and no significant sleep apnea documented by sleep
study). However, individuals vary in their response, and it
is not possible to ensure that you will receive any benefit
from this procedure. It is also unknown at this time how long
any improvement from this procedure will last. In some cases,
it is necessary to repeat the procedure. Generally, additional
treatments can be performed at 6-8 week intervals if you require
further reduction in snoring. You may need further periodic
treatments to sustain the effect, but this is unknown at this
time. Further, should you gain weight, or if there are significant
changes in your sleep hygiene such as drinking or smoking,
it is possible that the snoring may return.
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Somnoplasty Turbinate Procedure
Procedure: The Somnoplasty Procedure for reduction in the
inferior turbinates to treat the symptoms of nasal obstruction
due to chronic turbinate hypertrophy.
Background: The Somnoplasty procedure has been cleared by
the FDA for the treatment of chronic turbinate hypertrophy.
The Somnoplasty procedure uses low-power, low-temperature
radiofrequency energy to reduce the tissues in the inferior
turbinate. The treated tissue is heated just enough to damage
the cells in the immediate area of the electrode. Over the
next three to six weeks, the treated tissue is removed naturally
by the body, resulting in tissue volume reduction relieving
the nasal obstruction.
This procedure will be performed in the office and typically
takes approximately 30 minutes. It will involve numbing the
nasal tissue with an injection of local anesthetic, followed
by placement of the Somnus electrode in the inferior turbinate
during treatment. After a short period of observation, you
should be able to drive home, or resume normal activities.
To date, there have been no significant complications reported.
No nasal packing is typically required, and most patients
do not require any kind of analgesic post-treatment. You may
experience stuffiness for up to one week post-procedure. Potential
side effects include mild crusting, bleeding and mild pain.
Symptoms generally resolve within one week after treatment
and non-narcotic over the counter analgesic medication is
generally adequate to control pain that may result from the
procedure.
Early and limited results indicate that the Somnoplasty procedure
can decrease or eliminate chronic turbinate hypertrophy in
the majority of patients who are candidates for the procedure.
However, individuals vary in their response, and it is not
possible to ensure that you will receive any benefit from
this procedure. It is also unknown how long any improvement
from the procedure will last. If you have chronic sinusitis
or structural nasal problems (i.e. a grossly deviated septum)
in addition to turbinate hypertrophy, you may be a candidate
for the procedure. However, you will probably require additional
treatment for sinus or structural ailments.
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