Faculty Collaboration Database

A tongue suspension suture for obstructive sleep apnea and snorers. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001 Mar;124(3):297-303

Date

03/10/2001

Pubmed ID

11240995

DOI

10.1067/mhn.2001.113661

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0035085246 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   69 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A tongue suture is postulated to prevent tongue base collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. This procedure uses a permanent tongue base suture to support the pharynx and lessen collapse. This study evaluates 2-month results in 28 OSA and snoring patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Forty-three patients have been enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective open enrollment study using the "Repose" bone screw system. Subjects were evaluated using polysomnography measures of general health (SF-36), snoring, and sleep (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep) performed before and again 2 months after treatment.

RESULTS: In 14 OSA patients (Apnea + Hypopnea (AHI) > 15) and 14 snorers (AHI < 15), no change was noted in sleep architecture or lowest oxygen saturation. AHI decreased in OSA (35.4 +/- 13.7 to 24.5 +/- 14.5, P < 0.00), but not in snorers. AHI decreased in the lateral (16.5 +/- 16.5 to 3.8 +/- 6.4, P < 0.01) but not the supine position. Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Functional Outcomes of Sleep, and snoring scales improved. Snoring decreased but remained bothersome to the bed partner.

CONCLUSIONS: A tongue suspension suture partially reduces the respiratory severity of OSA. Small changes are noted in symptoms of sleepiness, snoring, and functional outcomes. Demonstration of efficacy of the technique and device will require further controlled trials.

Author List

Woodson BT

Author

B Tucker Woodson MD Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Feasibility Studies
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Polysomnography
Postoperative Care
Preoperative Care
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Severity of Illness Index
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
Snoring
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sutures
Tongue
Treatment Outcome