Coblation is similar to somnoplasty in that it uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to remove tissue through a significantly cooler process than traditional electrosurgery or lasers.

The coblation approach disintegrates tissue layer by layer, giving the surgeon excellent control to remove and sculpt tissue while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.  For snoring, a thin needle or "probe" is pushed into the soft palate or soft nose tissue ("turbinates").  The RF energy heats and destroys the inner tissue, stiffening the palate and enlarging the airways.

Coblation devices are manufactured by ArthroCare Corporation.  The manufacturer states that they use a lower temperature and lower radio frequencies than similar systems.  The procedure is typically completed within 15 minutes, and the patient experiences a reduction in snoring in about 6 weeks. 

Bäck LJJ, et al. Bipolar RF Thermal Ablation of the Soft Palate in Habitual Snorers without Significant Desaturations Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2002; 166: 865-871. 

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