Pillar Implant Procedure

The revolutionary Pillar procedure, or palatal implants, is a new and minimally invasive modality approved by the FDA and is used to treat people with habitual snoring and those with mild-to-moderate OSA with excellent results. The Pillar procedure addresses the soft palate, which is one of the main anatomic components of sleep apnea and snoring. During the Pillar procedure, 3  to 5 tiny woven inserts are placed in the soft palate to help reduce the vibration that causes snoring and the ability of the soft palate to obstruct the airway.

Once in place, the inserts add structural support to the soft palate. Over time, the body’s natural tissue response to the inserts (which are made of nothing  more than suture material that is used in everyday surgery)  increases the structural integrity of the soft palate. This procedure  is performed in the office under local anesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes. One can return to normal eating and function the same day. Results, however are not seen until  2-4 months after the procedure when the palate has stiffened due to the normal scarring process.

A study performed in Norway indicated that the procedure is successful (70%) in terms of bed-partner satisfaction (Nordgard, 2006). The cure rate for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the preoperative level of sleep apnea.  However studies have shown it is 80-90% effective as a treatment for snoring.

Dr. Alen Cohen and Dr. Jerome Vener at C/V ENT Surgical Group, which serves the Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks areas, are now utilizing this procedure with great results. Sometimes they perform this procedure in combination with a coblation assisted uvulectomy to target both the anterior and posterior soft palate in patients with a large uvula.  Note that laser uvulectomy, if performed, does add a moderate amount of post-procedural pain and discomfort to the in-office procedure.

The pillar implant procedure was recently highlighted on “The Doctors” and can be seen here: