[Application of plasma radio frequency at low temperature in treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a pilot study].

Zhonghua yi xue za zhi · 2001 · Benefit · Very low evidence

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BenefitVery low evidencePaper 3861

Study snapshot

PublicationZhonghua yi xue za zhi · 2001

Study typeother

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingVery low

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of plasma radiofrequency at low temperature in treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Plastic surgery of uvula and soft palate was performed by plasma radiofrequency at low temperature under local anaesthesia in out-patient department among 12 patients with simple snoring and 47 patients with OSA (42 males and 17 females with the average age of 40.2 +/- 7.2 years). Nocturnal polysomnography was performed before and after operation. The patients were followed up for 4 to 8 weeks after operation. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms improved significantly after four to eight weeks. The free margin of soft palate was elevated, the uvula was shortened, and the volume of tonsils was reduced remarkably. The pharyngeal space was expanded significantly. No bleeding, choke, open rhinolalia and cicatricial stricture occurred during and after operation. Mean AHI of 47 OSA patients decreased from 18.1 +/- 7.3 to 6.9 +/- 5.4 (P < 0.02), mean lowest SaO2 increased from 82.1% +/- 6.7% to 86.7% +/- 3.3% (P < 0.05). The percentage of slow wave sleep in total sleep time increased from 3.0 +/- 2.7% to 10.4 +/- 3.6% ( P < 0.05). In general, 49 patients were with excellent curative effect, 8 with good effect, and 2 needed oral appliance to release the base of tongue. Conclusion Snoring and mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea can be significantly improved by using radiofrequency ablation at least on a short-term basis. This treatment can be administered as an outpatient procedure without complications related to speech, taste or swallowing.

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AI evidence extraction

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Study typeother

Effect directionbenefit

PopulationPatients with simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS/OSA)

Sample size59

ExposureRF · single outpatient procedure; follow-up 4–8 weeks

Evidence strengthVery lowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

After plasma radiofrequency surgery of the uvula/soft palate, clinical symptoms improved at 4–8 weeks and no bleeding, choking, open rhinolalia, or cicatricial stricture were reported. In 47 OSA patients, mean AHI decreased from 18.1±7.3 to 6.9±5.4 (P<0.02), mean lowest SaO2 increased from 82.1%±6.7% to 86.7%±3.3% (P<0.05), and slow wave sleep increased from 3.0±2.7% to 10.4±3.6% (P<0.05).

Outcomes measured

Clinical symptoms
Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)
Lowest oxygen saturation (SaO2)
Slow wave sleep percentage
Peri-/post-operative complications
Overall curative effect rating (excellent/good/needed oral appliance)

Limitations

Pilot study
Short follow-up (4–8 weeks)
No control/comparator group described in abstract
Frequency and exposure parameters not reported

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "medical device (plasma radiofrequency ablation)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "single outpatient procedure; follow-up 4–8 weeks"
  },
  "population": "Patients with simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS/OSA)",
  "sample_size": 59,
  "outcomes": [
    "Clinical symptoms",
    "Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)",
    "Lowest oxygen saturation (SaO2)",
    "Slow wave sleep percentage",
    "Peri-/post-operative complications",
    "Overall curative effect rating (excellent/good/needed oral appliance)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "After plasma radiofrequency surgery of the uvula/soft palate, clinical symptoms improved at 4–8 weeks and no bleeding, choking, open rhinolalia, or cicatricial stricture were reported. In 47 OSA patients, mean AHI decreased from 18.1±7.3 to 6.9±5.4 (P<0.02), mean lowest SaO2 increased from 82.1%±6.7% to 86.7%±3.3% (P<0.05), and slow wave sleep increased from 3.0±2.7% to 10.4±3.6% (P<0.05).",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "Pilot study",
    "Short follow-up (4–8 weeks)",
    "No control/comparator group described in abstract",
    "Frequency and exposure parameters not reported"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "plasma radiofrequency",
    "radiofrequency ablation",
    "low temperature",
    "snoring",
    "obstructive sleep apnea",
    "polysomnography",
    "AHI",
    "SaO2",
    "soft palate",
    "uvula"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 16200723

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