Office‐Based Multilevel Radiofrequency Ablation for Mild‐to‐Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVE: Investigate multilevel radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative therapy for patients with mild‐to‐moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, open‐label, single‐arm, nonrandomized clinical trial. SETTING: Multicenter academic and private clinics. METHODS: Patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] 10‐30; body mass index ≤ 32) were treated with 3 sessions of office‐based RFA to the soft palate and tongue base. The primary outcome was a change in the AHI and oxygen desaturation index (ODI 4%). Secondary outcomes included subjective sleepiness level; snoring level; and sleep‐related quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty‐six patients were enrolled, with 43 (77%) completing the study protocol. Following 3 sessions of office‐based RFA to the palate and base of the tongue, the mean AHI decreased from 19.7 to 9.9 (p = .001), while the mean ODI (4%) decreased from 12.8 to 8.4 (p = .005). Mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores declined from 11.2 (±5.4) to 6.0 (±3.5) (p = .001), while Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire scores improved from a mean of 14.9 at baseline to 17.4 (p = .001). The mean visual analog scale snoring scale was reduced from 5.3 (±1.4) at baseline to 3.4 (±1.6) at 6 months posttherapy (p = .001). CONCLUSION: Office‐based, multilevel RFA of the soft palate and base of the tongue is a safe and effective treatment option with minimal morbidity for properly selected patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSA who are intolerant or refuse continuous positive airway pressure therapy.