Temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction in the human soft palate.
OBJECTIVE
To validate the use of temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy applied to the soft palate in a multicenter setting for reduction of snoring in a minimally morbid manner.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized multicenter study of 113 patients who had a respiratory disturbance index less than 15 and minimum oxygen saturation not less than 85% and who were seeking treatment for habitual disruptive snoring. Patients were given either single or multiple lesions to the soft palate during each treatment session.


RESULTS
Patients received 1978 J on average with an overall average of 2.4 treatments. Snoring scores went from an average of 7.8 (visual analog scale (VAS), 0-10) pretreatment to 3.2 posttreatment. Pain was minimal, averaging 1.7 (VAS 0-10) on days 1 to 6. Complications were few and transient, and mild.


CONCLUSIONS
The multiple lesion protocol was the most successful; reducing snoring from 7.6 to 2.7, on a VAS with an average of 1232 J delivered over 1.6 treatments. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency was found to be a minimally invasive, well-tolerated procedure that was safe and efficacious in this study group.
Sher
A E
AE
Capital Region Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 6 Executive Park Drive, Albany, NY 12203, USA. Aeshermd@aol.com
Flexon
P B
PB
Hillman
D
D
Emery
B
B
Swieca
J
J
Smith
T L
TL
Cartwright
R
R
Dierks
E
E
Nelson
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012913:Snoring / Q000601:surgery*