NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
There are a variety of treatments available for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Weight loss helps in reducing snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In addition, C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is an effective way to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP entails wearing a mask-like device while you sleep, which pumps pressurized air into the throat in order to prevent the airway from collapsing. Other non-invasive options include oral appliances, mandibular repositioning and tongue-retaining devices and nasal sprays.
OFFICE PROCEDURES
PILLAR PROCEDURE
The Pillar procedure, or palatal implants, is a new and minimally invasive procedure for treatment of snoring. In this FDA approved procedure, 3 to 5 small implants, less than an inch-long in size, are inserted into the soft palate using a syringe-like instrument. The procedure is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia, with little discomfort. As scar tissue builds up around the implants, the tissue of the soft palate stiffens, which ceases the vibrations that cause snoring. This scarring process can take between 2-4 months and therefore results are often not seen for that period of time.
SOMNOPLASTY
Somnoplasty is an office procedure which can help eradicate sleepless nights caused by the noise from snoring. Somnoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure which is relatively painless. The operation uses low power and low temperature radio-frequency energy to treat the area of the soft palate and the uvula. Treatment of the soft palate with radio-frequency energy results in scar tissue formation in the ensuing four to six weeks. This stiffens the soft palate, which ceases the vibrations that cause snoring. The procedure usually takes less than twenty minutes and can be performed in the surgeon’s office with minimal discomfort.
Pictures from GYRUS-ENT
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Surgery can be performed to increase the size of the airway. Surgery may involve removing the tonsils, adenoids, uvula or excess tissue at the back of the throat. In addition, nasal surgery may be performed to correct a nasal septal deviation or to reduce the size of the nasal turbinates in order to allow for a more air to pass via the nasal cavity. Surgery may be an effective option for some, and can provide permanent relief from symptoms.
Dr. Zadeh has extensive experience and knowledge to formulate and execute the most appropriate surgical plan to successfully treat snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Surgery is reserved for patients where it is the most effective and appropriate treatment. He has extensive knowledge of the anatomy and function of the structures in this region, and utilizes state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques.