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Biomedical subjects

R W Riley

Publications and source records attributed to R W Riley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Patient's perception of the facial appearance after maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the patient's perception of the facial appearance after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 14-month period, 58 patients underwent MMA for OSAS. All of the patients underwent preoperative and postoperative cephalometric analysis. Between 6 and 12 months after surgery, a questionnaire was mailed to each patient. The questionnaire asked the patient to evaluate subjectively their postoperative facial appearance. Visual analog scale ([VAS] 0 to 10) was used to assess the extent of the facial changes. RESULTS: Forty-four (76%) patients (39 men, 6 women) responded to the questionnaire. Cephalometric analysis revealed that 40 patients had maxillomandibular protrusion postoperatively. Forty-two (96%) of the 44 patients reported changes in their facial appearance (VAS, 4.8 +/- 2.5). Twenty-four (55%) patients reported favorable facial changes (ie, they were more attractive [15 patients] and/or more youthful). Fourteen patients gave neutral responses (ie, they were no more or no less attractive). Four patients gave unfavorable responses (ie, they were less attractive after surgery). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that most patients who underwent MMA for OSAS noted moderate changes in their facial appearance. Despite significant maxillomandibular protrusion based on the postoperative cephalometric analysis, more than 90% of the patients gave either positive or neutral responses to the changes in their facial appearance.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Obstructive sleep apnea surgery: genioglossus advancement revisited.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the accuracy of a genioglossus advancement (GA) technique (rectangular window) to incorporate the genial tubercle/genioglossus muscle complex (GGC) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 38 consecutive patients who underwent GA. Preoperative localization of the GGC was based on the cephalometric and panoramic radiographs, as well as digital palpation in the floor of mouth. Immediately after completion of the osteotomy, the presence of the genial tubercles and the amount of the genioglossus muscle captured in the bone flap were examined directly. RESULTS: All 38 pairs of genial tubercles were captured. Thirty-one patients had both bellies of the genioglossus muscle incorporated. Two patients had a complete belly and a partial (>50%) belly of the muscle captured. Five patients had only a portion (>50%) of both muscle bellies included. The incomplete incorporation of the muscles in the bone flap was caused by the limited lateral extension of the osteotomy beyond the genial tubercles. The causes of the limited lateral osteotomy extension included crowding of the lower incisors as well as the presence of elongated and/or medially angulated canine roots. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the rectangular osteotomy technique accurately captures the genial tubercles and enables an adequate amount of the genioglossus muscle to be incorporated and advanced. However, limited lateral extension of the osteotomy can result in a decreased incorporation of genioglossus muscle in some patients.

Female↗
PubMed2001

The road to danger: the comparative risks of driving while sleepy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A large sector of the population of the United States has sleep deprivation directly leading to excessive daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness in this population ranges from 0.3% to 13.3%. The consequences of even 1 to 2 hours of sleep loss nightly may result in decrements in daytime functions resulting in human error, accidents, and catastrophic events. The magnitude of risks in the workplace or on the highways resulting from sleepiness is not fully understood or appreciated by the general population. Hence, to more clearly emphasize the magnitude of these risks, we question whether mild sleep deprivation may have the same effect as alcohol on reaction times and driving performance. STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomized prospective cohort investigation. METHODS: Sixteen healthy matched adult subjects (50% women) were stratified into two groups, sleep deprived and alcohol challenged. The sleep-deprived group was further subdivided into acute (one night without sleep) and chronic (2 h less sleep nightly for 7 d) sleep deprivation. Each group underwent baseline reaction time testing and then drove on a closed course set up to test performance. Seven days later, the group repeated this sequence after either sleep deprivation or alcohol intake. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences (sleep deprivation or alcohol challenged) in the changes before and after intervention for all 11 reaction time test metrics. Moreover, with few exceptions, the magnitude of change was nearly identical in the two groups, despite a mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.089 g/dL in the alcohol-challenged group. On-track driving performances were similar (P =.724) when change scores (hits and errors) between groups were compared (baseline minus final driving trial). CONCLUSION: This comparative model suggests that the potential risks of driving while sleepy are at least as dangerous as the risks of driving illegally under the influence of alcohol.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, maxillomandibular advancement, and the velopharynx.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) symptoms and the associated changes of the velopharyngeal anatomy in patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative cephalometric radiographs were analyzed to assess the anatomic changes of the velopharynx. In addition, a questionnaire survey was sent to the patients between 6 to 12 months after MMA. The questionnaires evaluated the presence and extent of VPI symptoms, including nasal regurgitation while eating or drinking as well as hypernasal speech. A 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS 0-10) was included to assess the impact of VPI symptoms on the patient's quality of life. In the patients who reported VPI symptoms, telephone interviews were conducted 1 year after the survey to evaluate the changes in VPI symptoms over time. RESULTS: Fifty-two of the 65 questionnaires were returned. Five patients (9.6%) reported nasal regurgitation of liquids when drinking hastily, with 2 patients reporting the occurrences as occasional and 3 patients reporting as rare. The impact of these symptoms on the patient's quality of life was minimal (VAS 0.6 +/- 0.4). Regurgitation of food or hypernasal speech was not reported. The telephone interviews 1 year later revealed that the symptoms have completely resolved in all 5 patients. Comparison of the preoperative and postoperative cephalometric radiographs demonstrated the pharyngeal depth increase was 48% of the amount of maxillary advancement and the functional pharyngeal length increased 53% of the maxillary advancement. The functional depth of the pharynx after MMA was significantly greater in the patients with VPI symptoms (P=.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that patients who undergo MMA for persistent OSA after UPPP have a low risk of developing VPI. If symptoms occur postoperatively, they are mild and have minimal effect on the patient's quality of life; moreover, the symptoms usually resolve over time.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed2001

Radiofrequency treatment of turbinate hypertrophy in subjects using continuous positive airway pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the treatment effect of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) reduction of turbinate hypertrophy in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and to assess the impact of study design on this estimate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical pilot trial. METHODS: Twenty-two CPAP-treated patients with SDB with turbinate hypertrophy were randomly assigned to either TCRF turbinate treatment (mean energy 415 +/- 37 J/turbinate; n = 17) or placebo control (n = 5). Changes in nasal obstruction were evaluated between pretreatment and 4 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome assessed changes in the blinded examiners' findings of nasal obstruction on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included blinded patients' and unblinded examiner assessments of nasal obstruction (VAS), nightly CPAP use, adherence, and tolerance, along with sleepiness and general health status scales. The treatment group findings were subtracted from the changes in the placebo group to yield treatment effect. RESULTS: The primary outcome treatment effect by VAS was -0.9 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.4, 0.7), and beyond the placebo effect of -1.5 cm (95% CI: -3.4, 0.3). The secondary treatment effect of the unblinded examiner was -3.0 cm (95% CI, -4.9, -1.1). A beneficial treatment effect was also seen on every secondary outcome except general health status, but only self-reported CPAP adherence (P = .03) was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: TCRF turbinate treatment appears to benefit nasal obstruction and CPAP treatment for SDB. Placebo control and double blinding are critical for establishing the true treatment effect. A future definitive trial is feasible to establish statistical significance of these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of postoperative pain between laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the palate.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares the posttreatment discomfort between laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of the palate through the use of visual analog pain scales and a quantitative assessment of the analgesic medication taken. METHODS: In one group, LAUP (n = 10) or UPPP (n = 9) was used to treat patients' snoring or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and the other group underwent RFVTR (n = 22). RESULTS: The mean numbers of days with pain after RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP were 2.6, 13.8, and 14.3 days, respectively. Narcotic analgesics were required in the RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP groups in 9%, 100%, and 100% of the subjects, respectively. The mean number of these days requiring narcotic pain medications for RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP was 0.2, 11.8, and 12.4 days, whereas the total narcotic equivalent was 0.3, 7.4 and 29.6 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: RFVTR of the soft palate produced less posttreatment pain than LAUP or UPPP. LAUP and UPPP appeared to show little difference in the severity or duration of posttreatment discomfort.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate: An extended follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency (RF) of the palate on speech, swallowing, taste, sleep, and snoring 12 to 18 months after treatment. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were evaluated by clinical examination, questionnaires, and visual analog scales. The patients with relapse of snoring were offered further RF treatment. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 14 months, no adverse effect was reported. Subjective snoring scores relapsed by 29% overall. Nine patients (41%) noted relapse of snoring from 2.1 +/- 1. 1 to 5.7 +/- 2.7 (P < 0.001). Eight of the patients underwent further RF treatment with a reduction of snoring from 5.8 +/- 2.9 to 3.3 +/- 3.1 (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The success of RF volumetric reduction of the palate diminishes with time, as with other surgical procedures of the palate. However, the minimal invasiveness of the RF provided a high patient acceptance for retreatment, and relapse of snoring can be improved.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Surgery and obstructive sleep apnea: long-term clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Outcome data on the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are, in general, based on short-term follow-up (<6-9 months). This examination was undertaken to assess long-term results. METHODS: Forty patients who underwent soft tissue and skeletal surgery were the subjects of this review. Methods of evaluation included polysomnographic variables (respiratory disturbance index [RDI], low oxyhemoglobin desaturation [LSAT]), body mass index, quality-of-life assessments, roentgenographic analysis, and complications. Statistical analysis used the SAS 6.12 system. RESULTS: Thirty-six of 40 patients (90%) showed long-term clinical success. The mean preoperative RDI, nasal continuous positive airway pressure RDI, and long-term RDI were 71.2 +/- 27.0, 7.6 +/- 5.2 and 7.6 +/- 5.1, respectively. The mean preoperative LSAT, nasal continuous positive airway pressure LSAT, and long-term LSAT were 67. 5% +/- 14.8%, 87.1% +/- 3.2%, and 86.3% +/- 3.9%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 50.7 +/- 31.9 months. The patients showed a statistically significant long-term weight gain (P = 0.0002) compared with their 6-month postoperative level (body mass index 31. 4 +/- 6.7 vs 32.2 +/- 6.3). There was a positive correlation with the amount of skeletal advancement and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive evaluation and surgical treatment can result in successful long-term clinical outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of a new procedure for nasal alar rim and valve collapse: nasal alar rim reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: A new operative technique to improve nasal valve collapse by placement of cartilage struts along the alar rim was compared with the standard nasal valve cartilage graft (NVG) technique. METHODS AND PATIENTS: A retrospective study of consecutive patients with nasal valve collapse was performed at Stanford University Medical Center. Seventy-nine patients with nasal valve collapse underwent reconstruction with either the classic NVG technique or a newly developed nasal alar rim reconstructive (NARR) procedure. The mean age of the NARR group was 50.13 years (SD +/- 9.40), with 36 men (92.3%) and 3 women (7.7%). The mean age of the NVG group was 52. 14 years (SD +/- 10.83), with 36 men (90%) and 4 women (10%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These included functional and subjective evaluation of nasal valve collapse. RESULTS: Forty patients (50.6%) underwent the NVG technique, and 39 (49.4%) received the NARR procedure. The NVG technique revealed 0% worsened, 15.0% (6/40) unchanged, 25.0% (10/40) improved, and 60% (24/40) free of obstruction. The NARR procedure revealed 2.6% worsened, 2.6% unchanged, 7.7% improved, and 87.1% free of obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal alar cartilage struts placed along the caudal alar rim offers sufficient support to the alar rim and valve area. This procedure appears to be as effective as currently available reconstructive alternatives, while being technically uncomplicated.

Cartilage↗
PubMed2000

Fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy for airway monitoring after obstructive sleep apnea surgery.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the upper airway characteristics in the early postoperative period after reconstructive surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: During a 24-month period, the upper airway of patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with genioglossus advancement (GA) or hyoid myotomy (HM) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) were evaluated with fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPG) preoperatively and 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: NPG was performed on 271 patients. One hundred seventy-three patients had UPPP with GA or HM, and the remainder had MMA. All of the patients who underwent UPPP with GA or HM were found to have varying degrees of soft tissue edema involving the soft palate and the tongue base. The patients who underwent tonsillectomies and UPPP with GA or HM had greater soft palate/pharyngeal wall edema. In contrast, patients who underwent MMA had minimal edema involving the soft palate and the base of tongue, but diffuse lateral pharyngeal wall edema throughout the upper airway was identified. Eighteen of the MMA patients had ecchymosis and edema involving the pyriform sinus and aryepiglottic fold; 4 of these patients also had a hypopharyngeal hematoma involving the pyriform sinus, aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid, and false vocal cord, which partially obstructed the airway. These 4 patients were closely monitored for 1 to 2 additional days, and all were discharged without problems. None of the patients in the study had postoperative airway obstruction. CONCLUSION: NPG may be useful in postoperative airway monitoring and assist in discharge planning after upper airway reconstruction in the OSA patients.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed2000

Obstructive sleep apnea surgery: patient perspective and polysomnographic results.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery based on the patient perspective and polysomnographic data. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-six patients with severe OSA completed the 2-phase reconstructive protocol. A minimum of 6 months after the phase II surgery and after the postoperative polysomnography, questionnaires with visual analog scales (VAS 0-10) were mailed to the patients to assess their perceptions of treatment results. RESULTS: Forty-two (75%) questionnaires were returned. The mean patient age was 46.3 years. The mean respiratory disturbance index improved from 58.7 to 10.0. The mean lowest oxygen saturation improved from 76.3 to 87.3%. All 42 patients reported improved sleep (VAS 8.7). Although 10 patients reported changes in speech, the changes were insignificant, with 9 of the patients scoring 0 on the VAS (VAS 0.08 +/-0.3). Five patients reported changes in swallowing, and their VAS scores were 0.5, 0.9, 1.0, 2.7, and 6.9 (mean VAS 2.4+/-2.7). Forty patients (95%) were satisfied with their results and would undergo the reconstruction again. CONCLUSION: Surgical airway reconstruction for severe OSA is a highly effective treatment option base on the objective as well as the subjective assessment.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Postoperative airway findings after maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the upper airway characteristics in the early postoperative period after maxilomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy was performed before and 48 hours after surgery on 70 consecutive patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The preoperative and the postoperative evaluations were performed by the same examiner for consistency. RESULTS: Mild to moderate lateral pharyngeal wall edema was identified in 70 consecutive patients. Fourteen patients (20%) had edema as well as ecchymosis involving the pyriform sinus and aryepiglottic fold. Four of these patients (6%) were also noted to have hypopharyngeal hematoma involving the pyriform sinus, aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid, and false vocal cord that partially obstructed the airway. These four patients were closely monitored for 1 to 2 additional days for possible expanding hematoma leading to airway compromise. None of these patients were found to have airway difficulty, and the minimum oxygen saturation was more than 90% throughout the hospitalization. All four patients were discharged uneventfully, and the hematoma resolved completely within 10 days. CONCLUSION: Although postoperative edema was expected after maxillomandibular advancement, hypopharyngeal hematoma was unexpected. Although none of our patients had evidence of airway difficulty, the possibility of an expanding hypopharyngeal hematoma should be considered in patients complaining of breathing difficulty after maxillomandibular advancement surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Morbidly obese patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea: is airway reconstructive surgery a viable treatment option?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of airway reconstructive surgery for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea in the morbidly obese patient. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutively treated patients. Variables examined include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), cephalometric data, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (13 men) with a mean age of 42.6 +/- 7.9 years and mean BMI of 45 +/- 5.4 kg/m2 were identified. The mean RDI improved from 83 +/- 30.1 to 10.6 +/- 10.8 events per hour with an improved mean apnea index from 38.4 +/- 31.3 to 1.2 +/- 1.8 events per hour. The mean LSAT improved from 63.9 +/- 17.7% to 86 +/- 7.9%. The mean BMI at the 6-month postoperative polysomnographic recording was 43 +/- 4.3 kg/m2 (P < .001). Seventeen patients (81%) were successfully treated (RDI < 20 and with minimal desaturation < 90%). The mean follow-up was 21.8 +/- 15.4 months (range, 7-66 mo). Coexisting obesity-hypoventilation syndrome was related to treatment failure in two patients. One patient noted recurrence of daytime fatigue after significant weight gain 4 years after surgery and the polysomnographic recordings demonstrated the recurrence of obstructive sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: Airway reconstruction is an effective treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea in the morbidly obese patient. Careful patient selection and identifying potential coexisting obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, as well as counseling on weight reduction and avoiding continual weight gain will improve treatment outcomes. Key Words: Obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea surgery, obesity, maxillomandibular advancement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Maxillomandibular advancement for persistent obstructive sleep apnea after phase I surgery in patients without maxillomandibular deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for the treatment of persistent obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) after phase I reconstruction in patients who do not have maxillomandibular deficiency. METHODS: From January 1997 to September 1998, 25 patients previously treated with phase I reconstruction (uvulopalatoplasty, genioglossus advancement, and/or hyoid suspension) who did not have maxillary and mandibular deficiencies underwent MMA for persistent OSA. Variables examined include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), and cephalometric data. In addition, a minimum of 6 months after surgery, questionnaires containing a 10-cm visual analogue scale (0 = no change, 10 = drastic change) were mailed to the patients. The questionnaire subjectively assessed the patient's perception of the facial appearance after surgery, whether there was pain or discomfort of the temporomandibular joint, the overall satisfaction with the treatment outcomes, and whether the patient would recommend the operation to other patients. RESULTS: Nineteen (76%) questionnaires were completed and returned by 15 men and 4 women. The mean age was 45.3 +/- 6.6 years and the mean BMI was 33.1 +/- 7.1 kg/m2. The mean RDI improved from 63.6 +/- 20.8 to 8.1 +/- 5.9 events per hour, and the mean LSAT improved from 73.3 +/- 13.2% to 88.1 +/- 4.1%. One patient was defined as an incomplete responder (RDI >20). One patient reported transient pain and discomfort of the temporomandibular joint. Although all of the patients felt that there were changes in their facial appearance after surgery, 18 of the 19 patients gave either a neutral or a favorable response to their facial esthetic results. All of these patients were satisfied with the overall outcomes and would recommend the treatment to others. CONCLUSION: MMA is a highly effective treatment for persistent OSA after phase I surgery in patients who otherwise do not have maxillomandibular deficiency. The patient satisfaction is extremely high. Furthermore, previous concerns of unfavorable postoperative facial esthetics and temporomandibular joint dysfunction do not appear to be significant.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2000

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a comparison between Far-East Asian and white men.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible differences between Far-East Asian men and white men in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized controlled study. METHODS: This study compared consecutive Far-East Asian men with OSAS (n = 50) with two selected groups of White men with OSAS (n = 50 in each group). One group of white men was controlled for age, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and minimum oxygenation saturation (LSAT). Another group was controlled for age and body mass index (BMI). Cephalometric analysis was performed on all subjects. RESULTS: The majority of the Far-East Asian men were found to be nonobese (mean BMI, 26.7 +/- 3.8) but had severe OSAS (mean RDI, 55.1 +/- 35.1). When controlled for age, RDI, and LSAT, the white men were substantially more obese (mean BMI, 29.7 +/- 5.8, P = .0055). When controlled for age and BMI, the white men had less severe illness (RDI, 34.1 +/- 17.9, P = .0001). Although the posterior airway space and the distance from the mandibular plane to hyoid bone were less abnormal in the Far-East Asian men, the cranial base dimensions were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the Far-East Asian men in this study were found to be nonobese, despite the presence of severe OSAS. When compared with white men, Far-East Asian men were less obese but had greater severity of OSAS. There may be differences in obesity and craniofacial anatomy as risk factors in these two groups.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

An unreported risk in the use of home nasal continuous positive airway pressure and home nasal ventilation in children: mid-face hypoplasia.

We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity who was treated since the age of 5 with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Due to the long-term use of a nasal mask, the child developed a mid-face hypoplasia. Chronic use of a nasal mask for home ventilation in children should always be associated with regular evaluations of maxillomandibular growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Radiofrequency tongue base reduction in sleep-disordered breathing: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study investigates the new technology of radiofrequency energy (RFe), as applied to the tongue base, for the purpose of assessing feasibility, safety, and possible efficacy in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). METHODS: Eighteen patients with SDB, in whom at least palatopharyngoplasty had failed, were entered in this study. The mean respiratory disturbance index was 39.6, with a mean nadir oxygen (SaO2) of 81.9%. A radiofrequency electrode delivered energy to the subsurface tongue base with local anesthetic. Polysomnography, quantitative speech and swallowing studies, questionnaires, and visual analog scales were used to assess outcomes. MRI assessed changes in tongue volume. RESULTS: Separate RFe treatments (mean 5.5) at 4-week intervals were given (mean 1543 J for 9 minutes at 80 degrees C), for a mean energy total of 8490 J per patient. The posttreatment mean respiratory disturbance index was 17.8, and the SaO2 nadir was 88.3%. Weight increased slightly; speech and swallowing did not change. Questionnaires and visual analog scale scores showed improvement in study variables. Tongue volume was reduced by a mean of 17%. Pain was controlled by hydrocodone for 3 to 4 days. One infection was seen and resolved with incision and drainage. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates feasibility, safety, and efficacy in reducing tongue volume using RFe. Additional cumulative energy may improve the cure rate for SDB.

Adult↗