Radiofrequency tissue reduction of the palate in patients with moderate sleep-disordered breathing

Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate has been advocated as a treatment for mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Our study examines the efficacy of this procedure on patients with mostly moderate SDB.

Prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive series.

St. Boniface Hospital, Sleep Disorders Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.

Twelve patients with polysomnographically proven moderate SDB were given a total of 2400 to 3600 joules of radiofrequency energy to their soft palate over two to three treatments. Follow-up examined the effect of treatment on subjective and objective parameters including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, loudness of snoring, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and Arousal Index.

Two of 12 patients had a good objective response to treatment in that their AHI dropped by more than 50% and to a value of less than 20. However, none of the patients claimed to have a satisfactory subjective response. There was a slight reduction in the mean AHI from 31.2+/-5.1 to 25.3+/-4.2 (p < .05), but no clinically significant difference was found between pre- and post-treatment groups with respect to other sleep parameters. There was no improvement in daytime sleepiness or snoring.

Radiofrequency tissue ablation of redundant soft palate tissues lacks clinical efficacy in patients with moderate SDB.