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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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