Pillar Procedure

The pillar procedure is suggested for use in (1) the easing of symptomatic, habitual snoring caused by vibration of soft tissue of the palate, and for use with (2) upper airway obstructions in patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea or "OSA". The pillar procedure makes use of a minimally invasive implant that stiffens the soft palate reducing vibration that results in snoring and/or tissue obstruction of the upper airway.

The soft tissue of the palate is often found to be the number one cause of chronic snoring, however other issues can contribute to the situation including blockage of the nasal airway, tonsils and adenoids. Your doctor will be able to examine your upper airway and assess if your soft palate is the major contributor  of your snoring. If your soft palate is a major factor, the Pillar Procedure may prove to best option for you, as it stiffens the soft palate tissue to reduce the fluttering vibration that can cause snoring.

The Pillar Procedure can be carried-out as a stand-alone surgical procedure or used in combination with other treatments and life-style alterations to o assist  patients stop snoring. Over 30,000 people have been treated with the Pillar Procedure.

During the Pillar Procedure, three very small implants are inserted into the soft palate. Over time the implants, in conjunction with natural fibrotic response, provide a stiffening structure that stiffens the soft palate. This stiffening effect aenuates tissue vibration that can cause vibration and tissue sag that can obstruct upper airways and causeing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring.

The pillar implants are not visible nor can the patient feel them. No change in swallowing or speech occurs and generally patients can resume normal activities within a few hours of he procedure.