Are the obstruction sites visualized on drug-induced sleep endoscopy reliable?

Purpose: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been claimed to be a reliable tool, improving surgical results in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). One means of assessing reliability would be to ablate only a part of the sites observed on endoscopy and find only partial success versus ablating all observed sites and finding resolution of apnea.

Methods: A retrospective study included 24 OSAS patients, operated on following awake clinical examination.

Snoring intensity after a first session of soft palate radiofrequency: predictive value of the final result.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine whether snoring sound intensity measured after a first soft palate radiofrequency (RF) session for simple snoring helps predict the final result of the treatment.

Study Design: Observational retrospective study.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 105 subjects presenting with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea.

Is snoring intensity responsible for the sleep partner's poor quality of sleep?

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if the intensity of breathing noise (including snoring) and/or the presence of abnormal breathing events (ABE) are factors that trigger arousal/awakening of a snorer's bed partner.

Methods: We conducted a prospective multicenter study investigating couples where the male had a chronic disturbing snoring. We simultaneously recorded the male's respiration and snoring and the female' sleep.

Does propulsion mechanism influence the long-term side effects of oral appliances in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing?

Background: Mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs) can be used to treat sleep-disordered breathing, and differences in their designs have been thought to influence the occurrence of secondary effects. With bibloc devices, the lateral attachments producing mandibular propulsion can be inserted to generate traction or compression. We evaluated the clinical impact of this difference by comparing the long-term secondary effects and compliance of two devices.

Complications/adverse effects of maxillomandibular advancement for the treatment of OSA in regard to outcome.

Objective: To evaluate adverse effects/postoperative complications and surgical response rate of maxillomandibular advancement for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department in a teaching hospital.

Comparative study of four radiofrequency generators for the treatment of snoring.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of four radiofrequency generators (Ellman, Select Sutter, Coblator, Somnus) for the treatment of simple snoring.

Materials And Methods: Multicenter, randomized, prospective single-blind study on 120 selected patients with simple snoring (apnea/hypopnea index <10/h of sleep). Snoring sound intensity was measured on a visual analog scale and the partner's short-term satisfaction rate was evaluated after two treatment sessions maximum.

Radiofrequency tongue reduction through a cervical approach: a pilot study.

Objective/hypothesis: The objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radiofrequency tongue base reduction through a cervical approach in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods: Patients with moderate to severe OSAS and predominant tongue base obstruction by physical examination were included at our institution from 1999 to 2003. A sonogram was obtained to identify the lingual arteries, and an electrode was inserted through the neck and into the tongue under fluoroscopic guidance.

Tongue mechanical characteristics and genioglossus muscle EMG in obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

The increased genioglossus muscle (GGm) activity seen in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may lead to increased fatigability or longer recovery time of the tongue. Maximal force, endurance, and recovery times of the tongue, electromyogram (EMG) absolute value, and EMG spectral analysis of the GGm obtained during submaximal contractions were compared in eight individuals without chronic snoring and eight OSAS patients. Endurance time values were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Objectives/hypothesis: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is due to pharyngeal obstructions, which can take place at the level of the soft palate. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation has been introduced as being capable of reducing soft tissue volume and excessive compliance. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the possible efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation applied to the soft palate in subjects with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Genioglossal electromyogram during maintained contraction in normal humans.

Knowledge of the fatigability of the genioglossus muscle is of interest because this muscle prevents pharyngeal collapse, especially during sleep. In the present investigation, signs of fatigue in the genioglossus muscle were studied by measuring the tongue endurance using a force transducer and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the genioglossus muscle in eight nonapnoeic men. Mean absolute EMG values and spectrum analysis were calculated at three levels of submaximal effort.

Radiofrequency versus LAUP for the treatment of snoring.

Objective: To compare efficacy and tolerance of controlled temperature radiofrequency and laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAUP) for the treatment of snoring.

Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized study on 30 patients who snored. All patients had a sleep night study.