Introducing the Pillar Procedure -The Latest Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Restore Medical is a company which is offering a new type of therapy for sleep apnea patients. With further testing, it may even be possible that the Pillar Procedure may take the place of the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy which requires patients to wear a face mask when they sleep. It may even also take the place of some surgeries including surgical laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Let's delve further into what the Pillar Procedure is all about.
The Pillar Procedure has recently received approval by the Food and Drug Administration due to its effectiveness in reducing sleep apnea episodes and snoring. In fact, in studies it has been shown that the Pillar Procedure can reduce these night issues in approximately 80% of those tested. The Pillar Procedure is also relatively simple and doesn't take much time. For this reason alone doctors and patients are both excited about the Pillar Procedure.
If your obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the soft palate at the back of the mouth, the Pillar Procedure may be for you. It involves injecting three small woven inserts into the soft palate which serves to reduce the number of vibrations which cause snoring and/or cause an obstruction to air flow. These inserts support the soft palate and help to prevent them from interfering with breathing.
When you are ready for the Pillar Procedure, you can often have it done in your doctor's office. A local anesthetic is given and the inserts are then implanted. Most patients recover quite quickly and experience very little if any discomfort. There are also few risks associated with the Pillar Procedure. As long as a patient follows post-op care instructions given by their doctor they should feel fine and experience no complications.
If the Pillar Procedure sounds like a viable option for you make an appointment to speak with your doctor. He/she will be able to determine if the Pillar Procedure can make a significant difference in your snoring or sleep apnea.
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