Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night, and sometimes for a minute or longer. Sleep apnea affects about 18 million people of all ages in the U.S. and takes three forms: obstructive, central and mixed. Learn more.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder seen primarily in men. Unfortunately, this is frequently overlooked as “normal” snoring. This condition occurs when obstructions in the nose and throat block the ability to breathe. Learn more.

Hyoid Suspension

Hyoid suspension is performed for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and it is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the neck located above the level of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple) that has attachments to muscles of the tongue as well as other muscles and soft tissues around the throat. The hyoid bone is free to move around rather than firmly anchored in position, and this mobility may allow this area to collapse and cause airway blockage during sleep more easily. This procedure secures the hyoid bone to the mandible and helps to stabilize this region of the airway. Learn more.

Lateral Pharyngoplasty

Lateral pharyngoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The goal of the procedure is to increase the size of the airway without affecting normal functions such as breathing, speaking, and swallowing. Lateral pharyngoplasty appears to offer advantages for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to traditional palate procedures. Learn more.

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Turbinate reduction surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size while preserving the natural function of the turbinates. The goal is to improve nasal breathing and reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Since turbinate reduction surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction and improve breathing, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by decreasing headaches, snoring and sleep apnea. Learn more.