Complications of Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and to outline complication avoidance strategies. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of 51 consecutive RFA treatment sessions for SDB to the soft palate and tongue base by a single surgeon at a tertiary medical center. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 51 treatments comprising 26 palatal and 25 tongue base RFA treatments were performed for sleep-disordered breathing on 30 patients. Complications included palatal mucosal breakdown (11 cases), temporary tongue base neuralgias (4 cases), uvular sloughing (2 cases), tongue base abscesses (2 cases), and floor of mouth edema with airway compromise (2 cases). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first paper focusing on complications of RFA. While complications from soft palate RFA present rapidly and are self-limiting, complications from tongue base RFA may be delayed and life threatening. A detailed strategy is provided to avoid and treat these complications.