The Pillar® Procedure
The Pillar Procedure targets the most common cause of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—the soft palate. As we age or gain weight, our tissue and muscles often begin to sag and lose some of their rigidity and strength. When this occurs, breathing can cause weakened tissue in the soft palate to vibrate and produce the noxious noise known as snoring. In some cases, breathing can also cause the tissue in the soft palate to collapse and obstruct the upper airway, producing OSA.
The Pillar Procedure is a clinically proven, FDA approved technology designed to reinforce the soft palate and reduce tissue vibration or obstruction. During the Pillar Procedure, four to five tiny woven implants are placed in the soft palate. Over time, the implants, together with the body’s natural healing response, add structural support to and stiffen the soft palate. To learn more about the medicine behind the Pillar Procedure, please view the instructional video at the bottom of the page.
Advantages of the Pillar Procedure:
• The Pillar Procedure has generated a bed partner satisfaction rate of over 90% at one year according to bed partners of chronic snorers.1
• Patients report a significant decrease in snoring intensity, less daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in lifestyle.2
• No major complications have been associated with this procedure.
• The Pillar Procedure has been FDA approved since 2004 and has treated tens of thousands of patients worldwide.
The Pillar Procedures is performed in-office using local anesthetic, usually in less than 30 minutes. Most patients leave with little to no discomfort and continue on with their daily activities. If you are a candidate, we can often perform your treatment in the same visit as your evaluation.
To find out if you are a candidate for the Pillar Procedure, contact us today at 415-525-8400 to schedule your evaluation with one of our Board Certified Ear, Nose and Throat physicians.
See how the Pillar Procedure works
1 Goessler UR, Hein G. Verste T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Maurer JT. Soft palate implants as a minimally invasive treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Acta Otolaryngol. 2007 May; 127(5):527-31.
2 Maurer JT, Verse T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Hein G. Palatal Implants for Primary Snoring: Short-Term Results of a New Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique. Otolaryngology-HNS 2005 Jan; 132(1):125-31. Maurer JT, Verse T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Hein G. Long-Term Results of the Pillar Palatal Implant System for Primary Snoring. Otolaryngology-HNS 2005 Oct; 133(4):573-8.
