Since 2002, The Pillar Procedure has proven to be the least invasive, effective treatment for snoring. Studies show 90% of bed partners were satisfied with the results of The Pillar Procedure three years later. This simple, effective treatment is demonstrated in this video.

During the procedure, at least three implants are placed in the soft palate. The fluttering of the soft palate is the primary source of most people's snoring. Stiffening the soft palate effectively reduces the amount of soft tissue over which air can flow.

Post procedure patients take an antibiotic and usually need no more than over the counter pain medication. Most patients resume a normal diet the same day.

Pillars are made from Dacron, a suture used in surgical procedures, like heart valves, for over 50 years. Pillars do not affect the patient's voice or speech. Over 8 to 10 weeks, the Pillars stiffen the soft palate, reducing snoring as seen in this MRI video.

For more technical information, please visit www.pillarprocedure.com and www.arthrocareent.com

Cobaltion Turbinate Reduction

Many people with nasal blockage or congestion are due to enlargement of the turbinates. These are located in the nose along the sides of the nasal cavity. They are responsible for the suffy nose when you are sick, cause your nose to block off on the side you are sleeping on, or cause the alternating nasal congestion in many of my patients. They swell in response to allergies, chemical exposure, smoking, and for many other reasons.  Although treating nasal obstruction rarely results in complete snoring relief, it is an important part of ensuring long term relief from other procedures and in relieving many other symptoms from nasal obstruction. This includes improvement in nasal congestion, morning post-nasal drip, mouth breathing, and dry mouth and throat in the morning.

The goal of turbinate surgery is to increase nasal airflow while preserving the normal function. The turbinates have a major role in adding humidity to the air we inspire and in filtering the air. The lining of the turbinates contains cilia, which are small hairs that beat to move the mucous (which has trapped debris) in our nose. Venous sinusoids are blood vessels which lie under the surface of the turbinates to add moisture to the air we breathe in. This makes sure the air is clean and moist – just perfect for our lungs.

Cobaltion Turbinate Reduction video courtesy of www.faquierent.com