Clinical Experience Using Radiofrequency Tissue Volume Reduction (RFTVR), SomnoplastySM for the treatment of Snoring

M. Clarke

Purpose: This is a preliminary, retrospective study to determine the effectiveness and patient perception of RFTVR treatment of the soft palate for snoring, as well as the number of treatments necessary per patient.

Methods: Prior to treatment 53 patients had a home sleep study to rule out severe sleep apnea and an upper airway examination using nasopharyngoscopy. The RFTVR procedures were performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient clinic. An RF generator with a single electrode handpiece (Somnus Medical Technologies, CA) was used to create lesions in the soft palate. The tissue temperature (maximum of 85 C) and amount of energy delivered were monitored to prevent mucosal injury. Patients were reevaluated after 8 weeks and retreated as necessary. Patients were asked to evaluate their treatment as follows:

1. Perception of the procedure: 0 (very difficult) – 10 (very easy).

2. Spouse’s assessment of the improvement: 0 (none) – 10 (greatly improved).

3. Quality of sleep, pre and post treatment: 1 (very poor) – 10 (very good).
Results: Thirty-four of the 53 patients responded to the telephone questionnaire and 19 were unavailable for follow-up. Results were as follows:

Question Mean Range

1. Perception of Procedure 8.4 4-10

2. Spouse’s assessment of improvement 7.1 0-10

3. Patient’s quality of sleep – pre treatment 3.6 1-10

4. Patient’s quality of sleep – post treatment 7.6 3-10

5. Number of treatments 1.7 1-3

Conclusion: RFTVR is an effective, new treatment for snoring. Patients perceive the treatment as easy and relatively comfortable. Patients and their spouses report significant improvement in overall sleep quality and decreased snoring levels.

ACOMS, 1999 (abstract).