Sleep Apnea Pillar Procedure

The sleep apnea Pillar procedure treats mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and it can relieve snoring in many cases.

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Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 12 million adult Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. The disorder, which causes episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, is associated with numerous serious diseases, including heart attack and high blood pressure. During sleep, relaxation of the muscles in the back of the throat blocks the airways results in snoring and sleep apnea.

Using local anesthesia, a doctor places three polyester rods into the soft palate. These rods harden the palate tissue, causing it to bind with the implants. The resulting stiffness prevents relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep.

As with any other medical treatment, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and to speak with a professional before agreeing to the procedure.

You may notice a significant decrease in snoring and apnea episodes within one or two days following the procedure. This not only benefits your health and improves your sleep, but your partner will also sleep better. Your sleep may continue to improve as your soft palate becomes more rigid over time, but it may take several months for the Pillar procedure to become fully effective at preventing apnea episodes.

The sleep apnea Pillar procedure is permanent and typically requires very little maintenance. Unlike other treatments for apnea, there is usually no need for multiple procedures. Moreover, the Pillar procedure has a lower risk of complications than surgical treatments that require general anesthesia and lengthy recovery times. The reported rate of complications and adverse reactions is less than one percent, considerably lower than the rate for most other apnea treatments.

The Pillar procedure is not effective for everyone. If you are severely overweight or obese, or suffer from other sleep disorders, the Pillar procedure may not work for you. The procedure is also not suitable for anyone with severe obstructive sleep apnea or apnea caused by other medical conditions.

Sometimes, the tip of an implant may protrude through the tissue of the soft palate. When this occurs, your doctor will need to replace or remove the implant. Following implantation, some people may experience sore throat, swelling, a metallic taste in the mouth, or the sensation of having a foreign body lodged in the soft palate. While these complications are typically temporary and resolve without medical intervention, they may be unbearable for some people.

Depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your sleep apnea, your medical insurance may not cover the cost of the procedure. If this is the case, or if you are uninsured, Pillar implants can be very expensive. The average cost is between $2,000 and $3,000. In most cases, financing is available.

Before receiving Pillar implants, patients must undergo a complete medical examination by an ENT or other specialist. Your doctor will then determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure, and he will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to take before the appointment.

During the procedure, the doctor applies a topical anesthetic or injects a local numbing agent into the soft palate, and may offer the patient a mild sedative if anxiety about the procedure is troublesome. Using a special tool, the doctor then inserts three to five tiny implants into the soft palate tissue. The rods are approximately 18mm in length and 2mm in diameter. The entire process rarely takes longer than 20 minutes.

Recovery time is short, and patients should be able to resume normal activity immediately. There may be localized irritation of the soft palate, but that normally subsides within 48 hours. Because there is no use of chemicals and no need to remove tissue, discomfort is minimal and patients can begin eating a regular diet the night of the procedure.

Patients may receive a prescription for an antibiotic to prevent infection, and the doctor may require them to rinse their mouths with an antiseptic solution for several days following the procedure. Any fever or signs of infection should be reported immediately.

Because the sleep apnea Pillar procedure is relatively new, not all doctors are experienced using the implants. If your current doctor is not qualified to perform the procedure, he or she can refer you to another doctor in your area with experience. You can also contact your local hospital for information on locating a qualified doctor.

If you are tired of the side effects of CPAP, or have not found relief using other treatment methods, the Pillar procedure may be a permanent cure for your apnea and disrupted sleep. In clinical trials, about 80% of apnea patients experienced a dramatic reduction in snoring, improved sleep and a decrease in daytime sleepiness after undergoing the Pillar procedure..

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