Reduction of snoring with a plasma-mediated radiofrequency-based ablation (Coblation) device

by Jonas T. Johnson, MD, Jennifer Vates, BS, and Robin L. Wagner, BS | Tuesday, January 01, 2008

IntroductionThis study was supported in part by a research grant from the ArthroCare Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., and the Stout Family Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research at the Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh.Socially disruptive snoring generally originates in the area of the soft palate and uvula. The validity of this practical observation is supported by reports indicating that surgical procedures directed at the soft palate and uvula—primarily, laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)—cure or substantially diminish severe snoring in most patients.1,2 Unfortunately, both of these procedures are associated with severe patient discomfort and treatment-related morbidity. A less destructive procedure—radiofrequency-based volumetric tissue reduction—may provide similarly effective control of snoring and elimination of mild obstructive sleep apnea while causing less patient discomfort.3-6We conducted a study to assess the .../continued/

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