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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. |
