Palatal Implant for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Palatal Implant for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Chairat  Neruntarat         MD

Department of Ophthalmology-Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University

The palatal implant involves the placement of three, tiny woven polyethylene terephthalate into the

Soft palate. This insertion decreases vibration of the soft palate that causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.This technique is designed to secure and provide structural support for the soft palate instead of removing tissue.The palatal implant is safe and effective as a treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive Sleep apnea. After implantation, majority of the patient experiences significant improvement in respiratory disturbance index,daytime sleepiness and snoring intensity with less morbidity than the traditional treatments. Then, it provides a new option which can be performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient basis, for sleep-related breathing disorders.

Key words: palatal implant, snoring , obstructive sleep apnea

Vajira Med J 2006 ; 50 : 53 - 59