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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pillar Procedure?
The Pillar Procedure is a simple, effective, first-line treatment for obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) and socially disruptive snoring. Known by the medical term
“palatal restoration,” the procedure only takes a single, brief visit to the
physician's office. After first numbing the area with a local anesthetic, your
physician embeds three tiny inserts in your soft palate using a specially designed
delivery tool. The inserts cause a stiffening effect in the palate tissue to
prevent vibration (snoring) and obstruction (OSA) of the airway during sleep.
How does
the treatment work?
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As throat muscles relax during sleep, unsupported tissues in the back of the
mouth and the throat may stretch and collapse. This reduces the size of the
airway and obstructs breathing. It can also cause the soft palate to vibrate
or undulate, causing snoring sounds. (Studies estimate that nearly 80% of all
sleep apnea and snoring may be caused either entirely or in part by the soft
palate.) The inserts stiffen the soft palate, reducing its vibration and ability
to obstruct the airway during sleep. |
Is it painful?
Because tissue is not removed or damaged, discomfort is minimal. Some patients
use an over-the-counter pain reliever after the procedure and most are able
to resume normal activities and diet the same day.
How long does the
procedure take?
The procedure takes one, short visit to the physician's office.
How does the
Pillar Procedure differ from other treatments?
There are several key differences:
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Simple treatment. The treatment is done in one brief
office visit. Some other treatments require a series of visits or
an operating room procedure.
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Minimal discomfort. Palatal restoration does not require chemical agents, heating
or removing tissue. Therefore the procedure causes minimal discomfort
and most patients resume normal diet and activities the same day.
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Results. Most patients report a noticeable improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, and
because the implant is designed to be permanent they have the potential
of experiencing a lasting effect.
How do I know if
the Pillar Procedure will work for me?
Success with the Pillar Procedure can be infl uenced by tongue position, tonsil
size and other factors. Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine if
your palate is the likely cause of your sleep apnea or snoring and if you are
a good candidate
for the Pillar Procedure.
What kind
of results can I expect?
Short-term results show that most patients experience an improvement within
4 to 6 weeks. Most patients report a noticeable and lasting reduction in snoring.
In nearly 80% of patients in a clinical study, the severity of sleep apnea
was reduced. More than 80% of sleep apnea patients—and their bed partners—would
recommend the Pillar Procedure.
How long
does the effect last? Is it permanent?
The inserts are designed to be permanent and the effect of the treatment is
designed to be long-lasting because of the effect of fibrosis. This natural
tissue response stiffens the palate and changes its response to airflow. Our
clinical studies show that patient and sleep partner satisfaction with the
procedure remain
high after one year.
How are the
inserts placed in the soft palate?
Each patient receives three Pillar inserts. The inserts are preloaded into
a specially designed delivery tool. Each insert and its delivery tool are provided
in a sterile package to the physician. To place each insert, the physician
inserts the delivery tool into the soft palate. The Pillar insert is left embedded
in the soft palate tissue and the delivery tool is removed. The palate tissue
is not cut or removed.
How big is the insert?
What does it look like?
Each highly engineered, tiny woven Pillar insert is approximately 18 mm (0.7
inches) in length and has an outer diameter of approximately 2 mm (0.08 inches).
The inserts are woven from a polyester material that has been used for more
than 50 years in implantable medical products.
Will I notice
the inserts in my palate?
You will not see the inserts in your palate. A small percentage of patients
report feeling a minor foreign body sensation after the procedure. This sensation
is temporary and subsides after a short time.
Will
there be any change in my voice or will I have any difficulty swallowing?
Physicians have not reported that patients have experienced any long-term changes
in voice or difficulty swallowing.
What
kind of complications have you seen?
Since the procedure does not involve removing or damaging tissue, the risk
of complication is extremely low. There have been no reported major adverse
events.
Minor complications have consisted of partial extrusions that have been readily
resolved by the physician simply removing the insert. A partial extrusion occurs
when the tip of the insert can be felt or seen through the surface of the palate
tissue. Most patients request to have the insert replaced because they were
pleased with the results. Since launching the product in the US, there have
been fewer than 1% reported partial extrusions.
Can the inserts
be removed?
Yes. An insert can be removed in the physician's office with a simple procedure
with no special surgical tools. A patient can also have a new insert placed
at the time of removal.
How much does it
cost?
The physician establishes the procedure cost to the patient. You can locate
physicians who offer the Pillar Procedure by using the Find a Physican feature
of our web site.
How many
people are affected by sleep apnea and disruptive snoring?
About 20-40% of Hong Kong people suffer from snoring of varying intensities.
Male to female ratio is 2:1.
What are the risks
if I choose not to have my sleep apnea treated?
Because of the serious disturbances in their normal sleep patterns, people
with sleep apnea often feel very sleepy during the day and their concentration
and daytime performance suffer. The consequences of untreated sleep apnea range
from annoying to life-threatening. They include symptoms suggesting depression,
irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and falling
asleep while at work, on the phone, or driving. Untreated sleep apnea patients
are at least 3 times more likely to have automobile accidents. Additionally,
it has been estimated that up to 50% of sleep apnea patients have high blood
pressure. Also, risk for heart attack and stroke may also increase in those
with sleep apnea.
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