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New Implant Introduced For Sleep Apnea Sufferers
Sleep Deprivation And ApnoeaSleep Deprivation and Apnoea If you are suffering from chronic tiredness during the day, the chances are you are ..... New implant introduced for sleep apnea sufferers
If you are a person that suffers from sleep apnea, you probably know how cumbersome it can be to use a CPAP machine to aid your
breathing while you sleep. While it is a better alternative than the harmful effects of not treating your obstructive sleep apnea, it is hardly
a full solution to the problem. Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea are prone to many negative health effects including a lack of
concentration, grogginess, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly 18 million Americans are afflicted with this
disorder, with a full 1 out of 20 males and 1 out of 30 females living with the problem. To that end, biologists and doctors have been
toiling endlessly to work towards a better type of treatment for the sufferers of this tragic condition. Luckily, there has been a medical
breakthrough in the form of a tiny new implant which may be of great merit to those with a sleep apnea condition.
The implant procedure that is creating quite a buzz in the medical community is known as the pillar procedure, and it involves
small implants that are placed within the soft palate. The implants and the scar tissue that is created by the surgical procedure helps to
provide a level of support to the soft palate so that it is not as easily collapsible. This can cause the airway of those with obstructive
sleep apnea to be more open, allowing the patient to breathe more properly throughout the evening. The soft palate of those who have
the pillar procedure tends to stay in place, as opposed to falling back which commonly occurs in those with the disorder. Studies show
that a full two thirds of all mild obstructive sleep apnea sufferers can benefit from the treatment, and it has been approved by the FDA.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure, and it has been performed with a very reasonable success rate by doctors for the past four
years. The implant takes roughly thirty minutes to install, and three small implants are placed throughout the palate.
While the long-term benefits of this surgery are not yet realized, it shows much promise in helping those with a mild case of apnea to
reduce their problem. The implants in the palate do not pose much of a problem to the patients, as they cannot be felt after being
implanted. Also, if the implants prove to be of little success, they can be easily removed via another surgery. While not a complete
solution to the problem caused by obstructive sleep apnea, these implants represent a new hope for those who have a mild form of the
condition. As with any serious medical procedure, it’s important to get a proper opinion from your trusted health care professional. Also,
if you feel unsure whether or not your condition merits the treatment, a second opinion is advised. For those who wish to learn more
about the Pillar procedure, you can contact Cynthia Harding, the Public Relations Director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at
cynthia.harding@cshs.org .
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