Plasma radiofrequency preceded by pressure recording enhances success for treating sleep-related breathing disorders

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) that cannot be treated conservatively are commonly treated using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, although success rates are generally less than 70%. The purpose of this study was to assess a plasma-mediated radiofrequency (RF)-based coblation assisted upper airway procedure (CAUP) to treat SRBD patients determined to have obstruction localized to the upper (mid)-pharyngeal region.

Prospective case series (n = 40).

Six patients had socially bothersome snoring, and 34 patients had mild to moderate sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] <20), with the primary level of obstruction (>50%) within the upper pharyngeal region as determined using whole night recordings, including airway pressure fluctuation monitoring (ApneaGraph, MRA-Medical Ltd, Gloucestershire, UK). CAUP consisted of making a lateral palatal incision, ablating three upward channels on each side of the midline (fan-shaped) into the soft palate using a plasma mediated RF-based device (ArthroCare Corporation, Austin, TX), and performing a partial uvulectomy. Clinical outcomes included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), partner rating of snoring using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and night-time apnea and hypopnea events (AHI, hypopnea index [HI], apnea index [AI]).

Patients were 28 to 68 (46 +/- 12) years old; 28 (70%) were male. Preoperatively, clinical assessment scores (median +/- interquartile range) were as follows: ESS (11.0 +/- 3.0), VAS (8.15 +/- 1.00), AHI (9.58 +/- 5.58), HI (9.00 +/- 5.29), AI (0.333 +/- 0.625). After CAUP, no postoperative scarring, fibrosis, or any other clinically significant side effects were observed. Postoperatively (9.1 +/- 1.5; 7-15 mo), ESS (4.0 +/- 1.0), VAS (2.70 +/- 1.38), AHI (3.75 +/- 2.92), HI (3.58 +/- 2.50), and AI (0.167 +/- 0.167) were significantly improved (P < .001).

CAUP preceded by site-specific obstruction diagnosis using pressure recording is a well-tolerated outpatient treatment that is well suited for treating SRBD.