Office‐Based Multilevel Radiofrequency Ablation for Mild‐to‐Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveInvestigate multilevel radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative therapy for patients with mild‐to‐moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study DesignProspective, open‐label, single‐arm, nonrandomized clinical trial.SettingMulticenter academic and private clinics.MethodsPatients with mild‐to‐moderate OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] 10‐30; body mass index ≤ 32) were treated with 3 sessions of office‐based RFA to the soft palate and tongue base. The primary outcome was a change in the AHI and oxygen desaturation index (ODI 4%). Secondary outcomes included subjective sleepiness level; snoring level; and sleep‐related quality of life.ResultsFifty‐six patients were enrolled, with 43 (77%) completing the study protocol. Following 3 sessions of office‐based RFA to the palate and base of the tongue, the mean AHI decreased from 19.7 to 9.9 (p = .001), while the mean ODI (4%) decreased from 12.8 to 8.4 (p = .005). Mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores declined from 11.2 (±5.4) to 6.0 (±3.5) (p = .001), while Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire scores improved from a mean of 14.9 at baseline to 17.4 (p = .001). The mean visual analog scale snoring scale was reduced from 5.3 (±1.4) at baseline to 3.4 (±1.6) at 6 months posttherapy (p = .001).ConclusionOffice‐based, multilevel RFA of the soft palate and base of the tongue is a safe and effective treatment option with minimal morbidity for properly selected patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSA who are intolerant or refuse continuous positive airway pressure therapy.