[Application of plasma radio frequency at low temperature in treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a pilot study].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of plasma radiofrequency at low temperature in treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

Plastic surgery of uvula and soft palate was performed by plasma radiofrequency at low temperature under local anaesthesia in out-patient department among 12 patients with simple snoring and 47 patients with OSA (42 males and 17 females with the average age of 40.2 +/- 7.2 years). Nocturnal polysomnography was performed before and after operation. The patients were followed up for 4 to 8 weeks after operation.

RESULTS

Clinical symptoms improved significantly after four to eight weeks. The free margin of soft palate was elevated, the uvula was shortened, and the volume of tonsils was reduced remarkably. The pharyngeal space was expanded significantly. No bleeding, choke, open rhinolalia and cicatricial stricture occurred during and after operation. Mean AHI of 47 OSA patients decreased from 18.1 +/- 7.3 to 6.9 +/- 5.4 (P < 0.02), mean lowest SaO2 increased from 82.1% +/- 6.7% to 86.7% +/- 3.3% (P < 0.05). The percentage of slow wave sleep in total sleep time increased from 3.0 +/- 2.7% to 10.4 +/- 3.6% ( P < 0.05). In general, 49 patients were with excellent curative effect, 8 with good effect, and 2 needed oral appliance to release the base of tongue. Conclusion Snoring and mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea can be significantly improved by using radiofrequency ablation at least on a short-term basis. This treatment can be administered as an outpatient procedure without complications related to speech, taste or swallowing.