Laser soft palate "stiffening": an alternative to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
Habitual snoring is best treated surgically, with uvulopalatophayngoplasty, but the standard "cutting" procedure poses potential morbidity. In this study, a new approach, stiffening of the soft palate with a low energy laser, was studied as a less invasive alternative. Study Design In an in vitro study, five fresh palates of canines were used to see acute thermal effect on the palatal tissue after laser treatment. The same laser irradiation was conducted in three living canines to observe a delayed response of the palate to the laser.


METHODS
With the use of a non-contact 1.44 microm Nd:YAG laser at 0.1 J and 20 Hz, the mucosa on the marginal area of the soft palate was irradiated for 2-3 minutes. Following Outcome were Measured Acute shrinkage of the soft palate and thermal effect on the mucosa, and delayed stiffening and elevation of the palate after laser irradiation.


RESULTS
There was immediate shrinkage of the palate of about 3.0 mm in the in vitro study. In the in vivo study, a delayed palatal stiffening with 6.0-7.0 mm elevated palatal arch was found at 5 weeks. There was no morbidity after the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser stiffening of soft palate is simple, safe and effective for reduction of length and fluttering of the soft palate in the canine model. Clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its efficacy as an office treatment for snoring.
Wang
Zhi
Z
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology Research Center, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA. zhiw@hotmail.com
Rebeiz
Elie E
EE
Shapshay
Stanley M
SM
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery; D012913:Snoring / Q000628:therapy; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery