The Procedure

Selection for the procedure begins with a complete history and physical examination including pharyngoscopy.  A small flexible camera is placed through the nose to look at the back of the throat while snoring and breathing maneuvers are performed.  This allows identification of the site of snoring determining if you are a good candidate for the pillar procedure.

You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic which should be taken two hours before the procedure and continued for 5 days after the procedure.  This lowers the chance of infection.  Your mouth is first sprayed with an anaesthetic spray.  You will than be given antibacterial mouth wash (Pyridex) to gargle and rinse your mouth out just before the procedure.  Your soft palate is then injected in 3 sites with local anaesthetic, using a very small needle (27 gauge).

The Pillar Implant System is a curved needle with the implant already loaded.  The needle is inserted into the soft palate in the midline.  Once fully inserted, the implant is released and the needle is withdrawn.  This step is repeated 2 to 4 more times, once on either side of the midline.  A total of 3 to 5 implants are used.  Once all implants are inserted, the flexible camera is passed through the nose again to check the position of the implants. 

After the procedure, tylenol should be all that is necessary for pain control. I recommend sucking on ice cubes and ice cold drinks to decrease the chance of any swelling.  Antibiotics are taken for 5 days.  You will be seen back in one week to check implant position.  You will be seen back again at 10 weeks to determine if the procedure was successful.  I recommend bringing your bedpartner to this appointment.

Replacement of displaced implants

Medtronics has agreed to replace any implants which come out or have to be re-inserted which occures about 10% of the time.

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