RELEASE DATE: September 2, 1997 (Embargoed)
CONTACT:
Kenneth Satterfield
(703) 519-1563
(415) 978-3504 (9/5/97-9/10/97)
Email: [email protected]
STANFORD UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INTO NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT REDUCES SNORING IS PRESENTED AT NATION'S LARGEST GATHERING OF
EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT SPECIALISTS
The science of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the palate,
reported in the press earlier this year, is presented to the medical specialists
who provide surgical solutions to the common sleep disorder. SAN FRANCISCO -- Three months ago, newspapers and network television news reports featured a manufacturer's report of a system that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to obstructive tissue in the upper airway (passages at the back of the mouth and throat), resulting in a cost-effective, outpatient therapy to reduce snoring. Now, the research team that developed this system, Nelson B. Powell, MD, and Robert W. Riley, MD, both from Stanford University, will present their findings for the first time to fellow otolaryngologists.
The presentation will be made at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Foundation which is being held at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA on September 7-10, 1997. The meeting is the largest gathering for otolaryngologists, physicians who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
Originally, the study was designed to assess the feasibility, safety, and pain associated with the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the soft palate with a custom fabricated electrode. The most significant result of the study was that a reduced level of snoring was noted in the test subjects. News reports cited this new procedure as a less expensive and a non-intrusive alternative to the most advanced procedure to reduce snoring, laser surgery.
Methodology: Drs. Powell and Riley selected 23 patients (19 men and four women), with a mean age of 45.1 years. The subjects' snoring was measured, using a scale of 1-10 (10 equals a bed partner leaving the room). A mean snoring score of 7.9 was achieved, with a range of 3 to 10. Using local anesthesia, radiofrequency energy was delivered by a customized electrode for a period of 1 to 1.5 minutes. Up to three applications were given.
Results: After the treatments were completed, patients' snoring levels were again measured. The mean score for the group had decreased to 5.1, a 35.4 percent decline. Each treatment showed additional shrinkage and associated reduction in snoring.
Dr. Nelson Powell will present his findings to his peers at 11:00 a.m., September 9, at the Moscone Center. His remarks will add to the widespread dialogue now ongoing in the medical community regarding this new form of treatment for an age-old problem.
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(For additional information regarding this research and the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting, contact Ken Satterfield at (703) 519-1563 or at the annual meeting newsroom, (415) 978-3504.
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