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Somnoplasty ProcedureFor Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Radiofrequency Tongue Base ReductionThe Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea, which is performed under local anesthesia, treats sleep apnea by shrinking soft tissue in the upper airway including the base of tongue, the source of obstruction that is most difficult to treat. Somnus' proprietary Somnoplasty™ System is designed to use radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide a minimally invasive and less painful treatment of upper airway obstructions under local anesthesia. The System includes an automated RF control unit with temperature monitoring capabilities and a suite of proprietary, single-use, disposable surgical handpieces that deliver controlled thermal energy into targeted areas to reduce tissue volume and stiffen soft tissue. The Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea generates heat at approximately 85° C (185° F) to create finely controlled coagulative lesions at precise locations within the upper airway. An insulating sleeve at the base of the needle electrode is intended to protect the surface of the tissue from thermal damage, thereby minimizing post-operative discomfort. The lesions created by the procedure are naturally resorbed in approximately three to eight weeks, reducing excess tissue volume and opening the airway. Typically, the Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea takes 30 to 45 minutes, with only five to 10 minutes required for RF energy delivery. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and after being monitored overnight, patients can return to their normal activities the following day. Typically, more than one treatment is necessary to achieve optimal results. What does the patient experience during the Somnoplasty procedure?The Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The protection of the delicate surface of the tissue, the controlled delivery of energy and the ability to maintain a constant, low temperature present a sharp contrast to conventional surgery. Patients undergoing traditional surgery can suffer significant pain and take narcotic medications for several weeks. After the Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea, patients may experience swelling and some discomfort, and take pain medications for two to three days.
How effective is the Somnoplasty System in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea?Initial clinical results showed that the Somnoplasty System effectively treated obstructive sleep apnea by shrinking the base of tongue-the most difficult source of obstruction to treat-in moderately and severely affected patients. These results were presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation in September 1998, with data from 18 patients. Sophisticated testing and analysis following treatment with the Somnoplasty System indicated that patients experienced an average of 17 percent and as much as a 35 percent reduction in tongue tissue volume, a range that is comparable to conventional surgical techniques. Who is a candidate for the Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea?All potential candidates should be evaluated by a physician to confirm the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (through an overnight sleep study) and identify the possible sites of airway obstruction. Is the Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea commercially available throughout the U.S.?More than 800 doctors in the United States are already performing the Somnoplasty procedure for habitual snoring and chronic nasal obstruction; 300 of these physicians have been trained to perform the Somnoplasty procedure on patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Training courses for physicians interested in the obstructive sleep apnea procedure are offered on an ongoing basis and, after attending training, additional physicians will offer the Somnoplasty procedure. For information about commercial availability of the Somnoplasty procedure in your area, contact Somnus' toll-free number: 800-262-3540.Physicians interested in the Somnoplasty procedure should contact Somnus at 800-262-3540 What other conditions can be treated with Somnoplasty?The Somnoplasty System has already been cleared by the FDA for use in the treatment of three conditions: habitual snoring (soft palate and uvula), chronic nasal obstruction (enlarged inferior turbinates) and OSAS/UARS. As of June 1999, more than 20,000 patients have been treated with Somnoplasty Procedures. Somnoplasty For Snoring - Radiofrequency PalatoplastySomnoplasty® is a fast, effective way to reduce uvulopalatal snoring without the pain and inconvenience associated with traditional surgical techniques. Unlike standard electrosurgical approaches, the Somnoplasty System continuously monitors temperature, power, and impedance to provide the physician with complete control over the procedure. The Somnoplasty procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. The procedure itself typically takes less than 15 minutes. The unique design of the needle electrode and the automated control of tissue temperature protects the mucosa. After the procedure, most patients take only over-the-counter analgesics for up to three days and experience a reduction of snoring within six to eight weeks.
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