Palatal stiffening after failed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with the Pillar implant system

The Pillar Implant Technique (Restore Medical Inc, St. Paul, MN) for soft palatal stiffening may offer a good alternative for surgical revision of patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and who have recurrent symptoms like increased daytime sleepiness, snoring, and worsening polysomnographic parameters. The technique is identical to the one previously described for patients with intact soft palates. Due to its low morbidity, this technique is a good option for appropriately selected patients that are unwilling to accept continuous positive airway pressure as a permanent form of management for recurrent OSAHS, or that refuse more aggressive revision surgery. The presence of palatal implants does not in any way affect or complicate subsequent palatal revision procedures in patients who might consider having surgery for persistent OSAHS after the revision Pillar Implant Technique.