Multilevel temperature-controlled radiofrequency therapy of soft palate, base of tongue, and tonsils in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

2003

Objectives/hypothesis The concept of two-level pharyngeal collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is too simplified. Aggressive multilevel surgeries addressing several airway segments, including skeletal surgery, demonstrate improved success rates. Study design The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multilevel radiofrequency application to soft palate, tonsils, and base of tongue in 16 white patients (mean age, 56.9 +/- 11.1 y; mean body mass index, 27.3 +/- 2.6 kg/m2) with obstructive sleep apnea. There was one dropout. Therapeutic effects after one treatment session were assessed 20.6 +/- 12.6 weeks postoperatively. Treatment outcome measurements were based on Ep…