Somnoplasty

Somnoplasty is a new surgical procedure that is used for treating patients suffering from snoring as well as sleep apnea. The term "Somnoplasty" literally means surgically repairing sleep. The word 'Somn' means sleep and the word 'plasty' means a surgical procedure done to repair a problem.

But in contrast to other surgeries, this procedure does not require a knife and does not need any hospitalization. Somnoplasty takes less than one-half an hour to complete and is done at the doctor's clinic or in the OPD (Out Patient Department). Somnoplasty uses radio frequency energy to heat tissue in the palate (for snoring) or base of the tongue (for sleep apnea), causing formation of a lesion that gradually scars and reduces the size and floppiness of the palate or volume of the tongue.

Somnoplasty works best with cases of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). This includes patients having mild, moderate or severe OSA. Most of these obstructions are due to air blockages that occurs at the base of the tongue.

How does Somnoplasty work?

Somnoplasty uses radio frequency waves. This low-power, low-temperature radio frequency energy is applied with a partially insulated electrode. This radiofrequency wave is automated through a control unit and is monitored regularly. Along with it, a monitor that measures temperature is attached and then controlled thermal energy is delivered to the targeted area.

This heat energy helps to reduce the tissue volume and thereby helps to harden the soft tissue. There are three regions of the palate that are treated together one after another. The lesions that are made during the procedure are naturally absorbed in the area within a span of three to eight weeks. Somnoplasty is done under local anesthesia.

Somnoplasty reduces the tissue volume slowly and as a consequence opens the airway. Somnoplasty may be a one time procedure but most of the times more than one treatment is needed. The improvement is not immediate, but rather develops gradually over a period of weeks.

Recently the FDA has approved another device for the Somnoplasty system. This new and latest device can be used to reduce nasal turbinate tissue. Open up the nasal turbinates will also help a person with sleep apnea breathe more freely and get more oxygen to the brain during the night.

Advantages of Somnoplasty

1. It uses low power, low temperature radio frequency energy to remove the excess tissue. Most patients do not need any pain medication. This reduces the level of discomfort for a patient.
2. Improves nasal airflow
3. Reduces volume at the base of the tongue
4. It is less invasive than a surgical procedure requiring cutting
5. Results in peaceful sleep for a patient

Risks and complications:

Some of the temporary risks and complications include:
1. Inability to swallow
2. Infection
3. swelling
4. voice change
5. Oral and throat discomfort
6. Worsening of snoring

These complications may develop in a patient, but they would only be temporary.

Disadvantages of Somnoplasty

Until now the only major disadvantage of Somnoplasty is that a patient might have to undergo multiple sessions. This makes the healing period longer. Somnoplasty also may not be effective for all patients suffering from apnea.