Effectiveness of Pillar Implants in Snoring Management

Abstract

Objective Determine the effectiveness and complications of Pillar implants for snoring management in the course of routine clinical practice. Methods Retrospective series of adult patients receiving Pillar implants for snoring management between January 2005 and December 2007. Outcomes include procedure-related complications and patient satisfaction with snoring control. Results A total of 58 males and 12 females with an average age of 56 years (range, 33 to 74 years) underwent placement of Pillar implants for socially disruptive snoring. 21 patients were snorers, whereas 49 had mild to moderate degrees of sleep apnea. 41 patients were treated with 3 implants, and 24 patients received 4 or more implants. The procedure was performed in the outpatient setting in 47 cases and in the operating room in 23 cases. Complications included poor placement requiring removal (5 patients), and implant extrusion (4 patients). Complications were more common with implants placed in the OR, compared to the outpatient office (p=0.004). Of the patients with sufficient 3-month follow-up, 35/54 (65%) reported reduction in snoring, however only 28/54 (52%) were completely satisfied with the level of snoring reduction. When the satisfied patients were compared to dissatisfied patients, there were no noted differences in mean age, diagnosis of OSA, the use of adjunctive nasal surgery, or the number of implants placed. Conclusions Pillar implants offer satisfactory snoring reduction in approximately 50% of patients. Additional study is needed to determine factors that increase the probability of success. Implants placed under general anesthesia have a higher risk of poor placement and extrusion.