When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. OSA has been associated with cardiovascular problems and excessive daytime sleepiness. The condition known as upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) lies midway between benign snoring and true obstructive sleep apnea. People with UARS suffer many of the symptoms of OSA but normal sleep testing will be negative. We work with your physican and sleep lab personal to insure a team approach. The doctors at Tri-County offer non-surgical and surgical care of sleep apnea.
The Pillar Procedure
The Pillar Procedure can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or used in combination with other treatments and lifestyle changes to address multi-level upper airway obstruction. More the 25,000 people have been treated with the Pillar Procedure. The Pillar Procedure uses a minimally invasive implant that is used to stiffen the soft palate tissue to reduce the flutter that causes snoring and /or palatal obstruction of the upper airway.
The tissue in the back of the throat most often involved in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is the soft palate. In addition to the soft palate, many people also suffer from obstruction of other parts of the upper airway including the nasal airway, tonsils, tongue, and pharyngeal walls.
During the Pillar Procedure, three tiny polyester implants are placed into the soft palate. This can be performed in a single short office visit or in combination with other procedures. Over time, the implants, together with the bodyÕs natural fibrotic response, add structural support to and stiffen the soft palate. The structural support and stiffening reduce the tissue vibration that can cause snoring and the palatal tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea.
