Another New Device for Snoring

The march of snoring technology continues apace. A few months back I discussed the advent of a nasal device that acts a bit like a traditional CPAP machine. Now an entirely different approach to snoring has earned FDA approval: a series of implants designed to stiffen the soft palette and prevent sagging, which can sometimes cause obstructive sleep apnea.

Here’s the release:

This new labeling will allow surgeons to utilize more implants per snoring procedure if it is determined that the patient will have a superior benefit. While FDA has cleared the use of up to five implants for the treatment of snoring, the use of more than three implants for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea has not yet been studied and is not cleared for use by the FDA.

The body naturally creates scar tissue around these implanted devices, which can, over time, create a firmer lattice of connected tissues. Only time will tell if this solution proves beneficial over the long term, but it’s a clever notion that has already cleared some substantial sanctioning hurdles.

Of course, a common cause of snoring is a deviated septum. Septal surgery, or septoplasty, remains the coin of the realm for treating this widespread symptom. If you are a chronic snorer and you worry that the malign effects may go beyond an irritated bedmate, I urge you to contact my Los Angeles septal surgery team today for a consultation.

Tags: los angeles ent, medical devices, septal surgery, septoplasty, snoring