Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The Pillar Procedure is a minimally invasive option for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and disruptive snoring.

LAUP - The Traditional Approach

Laser Assisted Uvulo-Palatoplasty (LAUP) is a technique developed in France eight years ago for the treatment of snoring. It is a simple, yet effective treatment done in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. It is relatively painless and is done in usually two treatments. The laser reshapes and/or eliminates the excess tissue at the back of the throat. Dr. Cohen has performed hundreds of LAUP procedures and was selected to train other surgeons nationwide.

Radio Frequency - A New Breakthrough!

Radio Frequency is a unique surgical procedure for shrinking redundant tissue. It reduces the volume of an enlarged soft palate and uvula as a treatment for habitual snoring. Unlike UPPP and other traditional approaches, Radio Frequency uses very low levels of radiofrequency energy to create finely controlled coagulative zones underneath the mucosal layer.

These zones are naturally resorbed by the body, altering the tissue structure by reducing excess tissue. Radio Frequency is designed to minimize the bleeding and pain associated with other techniques. It is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient surgical suite, typically in less than 10 minutes.

Radio Frequency Treatment has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for use of the Radio Frequency System in the treatment of three conditions: habitual snoring (uvula and soft palate), chronic nasal obstruction (enlarged inferior turbinates) and obstructive sleep apnea.

The patient is fully awake throughout the treatment. The physician first applies topical and local anesthetic to the uvula and palate, similar to that used in a minor dental procedure. A few minutes later the Conductive Device/handpiece, which is connected to a radio frequency generator, is placed into the mouth.

The patient does not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Following the Radio Frequency procedure, most patients take an over-the-counter analgesic for one to three days.

"Before the Radio Frequency procedure, my wife and I suffered through 42 years of interrupted sleep caused by my loud snoring. When Dr. Cohen told me that the Radio Frequency procedure could curb my snoring, I decided to give it a try. Since the procedure, my snoring has almost completely disappeared, and both my wife and I can't believe how much better rested and healthier we feel as a result."
Fred Drawer
Patient

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"My experience with the Radio Frequency procedure for treating habitual snoring and chronic nasal obstruction has been very encouraging. I have found that the Radio Frequency System's radiofrequency technology allows me to effectively treat these upper airway disorders, while saving my patients much of the discomfort and recovery time associated with traditional procedures."
Dr. Cohen