In addition to interrupted sleep and daytime fatigue, sleep apnea can lead to major health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Disruptive snoring also can contribute to conflict and stress for both sleep partners.

Now there's a simple, minimally invasive option for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and disruptive snoring. The Pillar Procedure is

• Less invasive and less painful than other surgical procedures
• Completed in a single, short office visit
• FDA-cleared and clinically proven, with results comparable to more aggressive surgical procedures

The Pillar Procedure treats the soft palate - the most common cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Pillar Procedure is relatively painless and can be performed in a doctor's office in approximately 20 minutes, using only local anesthetic. The Pillar Procedure does not require the removal of any soft palate tissue. Patients cannot see or feel the Pillar implants, nor do they interfere with swallowing or speech. Many patients resume normal diet and activities the same day of the procedure.

The Pillar Procedure Experience

During the Pillar Procedure, tiny woven implants are placed into the muscle of the soft palate using a specially designed, single use, sterile delivery tool. Each tiny, highly engineered and precisely woven Pillar implant is approximately 18 mm (0.7 inches) in length and has an outer diameter of approximately 2 mm (0.08 inches). The implants are woven from a polyester material that has been used for more than 50 years in implantable medical products.

Over time the implants, together with the body's natural fibrotic response, add structural support to and stiffen the soft palate. This structural support and stiffening reduces the tissue vibration that can cause snoring and the palatal tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Some patients report a noticeable improvement within weeks, while others may take 8 to 12 weeks to realize the full benefit of the Pillar Procedure.

Effectiveness As of December 2007, more than 30,000 people worldwide have been treated with the Pillar Procedure!

Clinical studies of the Pillar Procedure have shown that:

• Patients experienced a significant decrease in snoring intensity.^1,2
• Bed partner satisfaction with the reduction in snoring after the Pillar Procedure has been documented at 80% or higher.^1,2
• Approximately 80% of patients demonstrated a reduction in their AHI, and results were sustained at one year after the Pillar Procedure.³ Patients experienced less daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in lifestyle after the Pillar Procedure.

Most patients soon report a noticeable, lasting reduction in sleep apnea and snoring. In long-term (one year) clinical studies, sleep apnea was reduced in nearly 80% of the patients; for patients suffering from disruptive snoring, bed partner satisfaction was as high as 90%. Patients also experienced less daytime sleepiness.

We have been named a Premier Provider for the Pillar Procedure - MD's with a high level of experience with the pillar procedure based on patients treated.