Additional palatal implants for refractory snoring.

Abstract

To evaluate safety and efficacy of additional palatal implants for snoring treatment. A prospective case series at two clinical sites in an office setting. Patients who did not have an acceptable reduction in snoring intensity after an initial 3 implant procedure received additional implants. Bed partners rated snoring intensity on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 90 days postprocedure. Snoring intensity VAS decreased significantly from 6.4 +/- 2.3 to 4.6 +/- 2.9 (P < 0.01) for patients who received an additional fourth implant, and to 4.1 +/- 2.8 after the 5th implant (P<0.01). Epworth sleepiness scale scores also decreased significantly for patients who received additional fourth or fifth implants. There were no adverse events. Additional palatal implants for snoring treatment were safe and effective in this case series. Additional implants may offer relief for snorers not responding to the initial 3 implant procedure.