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During the procedure
The Pillar procedure is performed in the surgeon's office, where you're usually seated leaning backward, similarly to how you're seated when your teeth are cleaned. During the procedure, which takes less than 30 minutes, the surgeon:
- Applies a topical anesthetic to your soft palate to numb the area for the injection
- Injects the area with a local anesthetic, which may sting
- Positions the first implant
- Inserts the first implant, which has its own disposable insertion device
- Repeats the last two steps two more times
After the procedure
Your doctor may ask you to sit for a few minutes to be sure you're not experiencing significant bleeding or swelling. You should be able to resume normal activities and eat normally that same day. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain medication to keep down swelling and help with any pain you feel after the anesthetic wears off. He or she also may ask you to use an antiseptic rinse for several days and take an antibiotic to prevent infection.
- Walker RP, et al. Extended follow-up of palatal implants for OSA treatment. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;137:822.
- Catalano P, et al. Additional palatal implants for refractory snoring. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;137:105
- Nordgard S, et al. Soft palate implants for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2006;134:565.
- Nordgard S, et al. Palatal implants: A new method for the treatment of snoring. Acta Otolaryngol. 2004;124:970.
- Sleep apnea. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_All.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
