[Innovative bipolar radiofrequency volumetric reduction with "ORL-Set" for treatment of habitual snorers].
BACKGROUND
The present study was undertaken in an effort to assess the use and the efficacy of an innovative radiofrequency system (RaVoR, Select-Sutter, Freiburg i. Br.) and the bipolar electrodes conceived by the author for the treatment of habitual, disruptive snoring. The author's own surgical method takes into account a number of published retrospective studies on radiofrequency application in the treatment of snoring and is based on important anatomical, physiopathological and histological knowledge.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients diagnosed with primary snoring and five patients with associated sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) were treated according to the method and with the RaVoR system in the past three years. The intensity as well as the snoring density was assessed on a numeric analogue scale (NAS; ranging from 0 = "patient doesn't snore anymore" to 4 = "patient continues to snore as before"), which was filled out by the partner preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 months and 2 years.


RESULTS
Snoring was reduced in 31 (86 %) patients (NAS </= 2). Ten of them (28 %) stopped snoring altogether, according to their sleeping partners.


CONCLUSIONS
The bipolar radiofrequency method with the ORL-Set (RaVoR) has proven to be a safe and effective means for the treatment of snoring and some cases of SAS.
Marinescu
A
A
a.marinescu@t-online.de
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D015992:Body Mass Index; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D012913:Snoring / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors
Bipolare Radiofrequenz-Volumenreduktion mit "ORL-Set" bei habituellem Rhonchus.