Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to periodically stop during sleep. Patients with this condition may need sleep apnea surgery to alleviate symptoms.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: In obstructive sleep apnea, the throat muscles relax. In central sleep apnea, the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of the other two types of sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Patients may have sleep apnea if they are experiencing the following symptoms:
Sleep Apnea Surgery Options
Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the physician may recommend one of the following procedures: radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, maxillomandibular advancement, anterior inferior mandibular osteotomy, genioglossus advancement, midline glossectomy and base of tongue reduction, lingual tonsillectomy, septoplasty and turbinate reduction, hypoglossal nerve stimulator, or hyoid suspension.
Radiofrequency Volumetric
Tissue Reduction
Tissue Reduction
Radiofrequency waves are used to shrink or remove tissues in the back of the throat
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Removing extra tissue from the top of the throat and the back of the mouth
Maxillomandibular Advancement
The jaw is moved forward to create more space behind the tongue and open up the airway
Lingual Tonsillectomy
The tonsils and tonsillar tissue are removed to help open up the lower part of the throat and improve breathing
Septoplasty &
Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate Reduction
Septoplasty involves straightening the nasal septum, while turbinate reduction reduces the size of the bones in the nasal passage
Anterior Inferior Mandibular
Osteotomy
Osteotomy
The chin bone is divided into two parts to allow the tongue to move forward and open up the airway
Genioglossus Advancement
Slightly tightening the tendons in the front of the tongue to help prevent the tongue from rolling back and blocking the airway
Midline Glossectomy &
Base of Tongue Reduction
Base of Tongue Reduction
A portion of the back of the tongue is removed to help make the airway larger
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator
Attaching an electrode to the hypoglassal nerve, to stimulate the tongue muscles during sleep to prevent them from blocking the airway
Hyoid Suspension
The hyoid bone and its nearby muscles are moved closer to the front of the neck to help open up the airway
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The Risks and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea may increase an individual’s risk of developing high blood pressure, metabolic conditions and other health issues.
Individuals may be at greater risk of developing sleep apnea if they:
Are obese
Have a thick neck
Have a narrowed airway
Are male
Are older
Have a family history of sleep apnea
Smoke
Use alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers
Have nasal congestion
Have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hormonal disorders, chronic lung disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome
Have had a stroke
Use narcotic pain medications
Have heart disorders