Tongue base reduction with plasma radiofrequency for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE To investigate more effec tive treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). METHODS 72 patients with polysomnographically proven OSAHS were given radiofrequency ablation to their tongue base. The polysomnography examinations were carried out before and 12 weeks after radiofrequency operation respectively. The snoring scale and Epworth sleepiness score(ESS) were also compared. RESULTS 3M-6M follow-up showed that tongue base reduction is obvious and that the lowest pulse oxygen saturation improved significantly. In addition, there were significant differences in the decrease of apnea hypopnea index after operation(P 0.05). 12 weeks after treatment, snoring scale and ESS decreased significantly( P 0.01). CONCLUSION The results showed that tongue base with plasma radiofrequency ablation at low temperature is feasibility , validity and security of the treatment of OSAHS. Tongue base ablation with Plasma radiofrequency is a kind of latest, ideal treatment means to clinician. This treatment is convenient, simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure without obvious adverse reactions. In the future, there are better prospects.