Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty and tonsillectomy for the management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Objectives/hypothesis: Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a widely accepted procedure for the management of snoring, but its role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently unclear. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of LAUP in treating moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Study Design: Retrospective review of a surgical treatment protocol for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Reanimation of the paralyzed human larynx with an implantable electrical stimulation device.

Objectives/hypothesis: Electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, when paced with inspiration, offers a physiological approach to restore ventilation in bilateral laryngeal paralysis without any of the disadvantages associated with conventional treatment.

Study Design: A prospective study of six patients.

Methods: The patients were successfully implanted with an Itrel II stimulator (Medtronic, Inc).