Palatal implants for the treatment of snoring and mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated the results, safety and efficacy of palatal implants for the treatment of simple snoring and mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.Methods: The study included 12 patients having only a palatal pathology and having a diagnosis of simple snoring or mild moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after polysomnography. Palatal implants were placed in the soft palate of each patient. The results were evaluated subjectively by the patients and their partners, objectively by polysomnographic findings. Data obtained before the procedure was compared to data obtained mean six months after the procedure.Results: After the palatal implant was performed, mean apnea hypopnea index reduced from 6.3 to 4.5. There was no significant difference in the mean oxygen saturation values (p=0.450). The mean of the visual analog scale of sleepiness according to the patient reduced 45% after the treatment, and mean Epworth sleepiness score decreased from 4.8 to 3.3. The visual analog scale of snoring according to the partner decreased from 6.6 to 4.3 (p=0.005). The snoring intensity reported by the bed partner decreased significantly.Conclusion: Palatal implant is a good alternative for the treatment of simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in selected patients. The effectiveness is comparable to other methods. Advantages are minimal morbidity, patient's compliance and one-stage procedure.