A New Method for Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea Developed by Loyola University Chicago
A new treatment method for snoring and sleep apnea researched by Loyola University Chicago, USA, could help many patients sleep better without the fear of life-threatening conditions.
There are a range of effective therapies for snoring and sleep apnea, but patients often feel that these options are insufficient, uncomfortable, or involve painful surgical procedures.
Now, the Pillar Palatal Implant, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has proven effective for both conditions. This implant will be introduced at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in Los Angeles next week.
The new therapy reduces the movement or vibration of the soft palate with an implant designed to stiffen the palate using a special needle and three segments of polyester thread, each about 2 cm long, inserted into the soft palate near where it meets the hard palate.
Reigina P. Walker, a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, commented on patients with the new implant: “Individuals with sleep apnea do not experience any breathing disturbances during the day.”
In a study involving 25 patients who snored loudly at night, 75% of the patients reported reduced snoring, and 90% of their spouses stated they would choose the new implant.
