Laser soft palate “stiffening”: An alternative to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty*

Abstract

Laser stiffening of soft palate is simple, safe and effective for reduction of length and fluttering of the soft palate in the canine model. Clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its efficacy as an office treatment for snoring.

Histological Effects of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Snoring Handpiece in the Rat Soft Palate

“…3,4 Er:YAG laser irradiation, in contrast, is reported to be a noninvasive and more effective method available for treating snoring. 12,16 The method uses Er:YAG laser energy that causes contraction of the collagen fibers and provides opening of the airway, which decreases snoring with a 90% success rate.…”

“…Wang et al 3 used Nd:YAG laser as an alternative to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on an animal model and demonstrated the stiffening and elevation of the soft palate. They reported that Nd:YAG laser seemed to be effective in palate shortening and stiffness of the canine, but it had to be determined if it would produce the same effects in human subjects.…”

“…3 Recently, a new laser irradiation tool known as NightLase Ò was introduced and it claimed to be a noninvasive and effective method for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. This treatment is reported to be a fast, safe, and efficient method for decreasing the amplitude of snoring through the use of superficial Er:YAG laser light.…”

“…[1][2][3] Although there is no exact definition of snoring, the term indicates to a breathing sound that arises during nighttime or daytime sleep and can be inspiratory, expiratory, or both. 4 The sound of snoring is usually a consequence of the vibration of pharyngeal soft tissue (most commonly soft palate), so treatment focuses on reducing these vibrations.…”

Evaluation of the effects of transendoscopic diode laser palatoplasty on clinical, histologic, magnetic resonance imaging, and biomechanical findings in horses

“…11 It is also believed that development of soft palate fibrosis following laser palatoplasty results in increased soft palate stiffness, which may lead to a decreased likelihood of soft palate displacement during exercise. 11 It is also believed that development of soft palate fibrosis following laser palatoplasty results in increased soft palate stiffness, which may lead to a decreased likelihood of soft palate displacement during exercise.…”