Tvinnereim et al. Laryngoscope, April 2007

My Take:
This study has limited numbers but shows an 80% success rate using equipment and a procedure identical to what is done in my clinic and to the video attached to this site.  In comparison to other procedures, this is a very high success rate and depends on proper patient selection.

Summary: 

This is a  review of 40 patients, 36 of whom had sleep apnea as well as extremely loud snoring.  Patients were given the CAUP procedure and than followed for 7 to 15 months after the procedure. There were no scarring and no significant side effects. Two patients had a mild dry mouth and one patient had a temporary sensation of a lump in the back of his throat. There was no bleeding after the procedure.

In their study, 80% of patients were satisfied with their results.

There were 19 patients with an AHI (apnea hypopnea index – a measure of sleep apnea severity) greater than 10 before surgery. Sixteen (84%) were cured of sleep apnea, which in this study was defined as an AHI less than 10. The 3 people who did not drop below 10 had significant improvement.  Before CAUP their AHI was 17 to 19 and after the procedure the AHI was 11 in all 3.

In all, 20% of patients selected for CAUP required a second procedure, either on the palate or base of tongue to adequately control snoring and sleep apnea.

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