The Pillar ^® Procedure

The Pillar Procedure treats the soft palate — the most common cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Pillar Procedure is relatively painless and can be performed in a doctor's office in approximately 20 minutes, using only local anesthetic. The Pillar Procedure does not require the removal of any soft palate tissue. Patients cannot see or feel the Pillar implants, nor do they interfere with swallowing or speech. Many patients resume normal diet and activities the same day of the procedure.



The Pillar Procedure Experience

During the Pillar Procedure, tiny woven implants are placed into the muscle of the soft palate using a specially designed, single use, sterile delivery tool. Each tiny, highly engineered and precisely woven Pillar implant is approximately 18 mm (0.7 inches) in length and has an outer diameter of approximately 2 mm (0.08 inches). The implants are woven from a polyester material that has been used for more than 50 years in implantable medical products.

Over time the implants, together with the body's natural fibrotic response, add structural support to and stiffen the soft palate. This structural support and stiffening reduces the tissue vibration that can cause snoring and the palatal tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Some patients report a noticeable improvement within weeks, while others may take 8 to 12 weeks to realize the full benefit of the Pillar Procedure.

Effectiveness

As of December 2007, more than 30,000 people worldwide have been treated with the Pillar Procedure.

Clinical studies of the Pillar Procedure have shown that:

• Patients experienced a significant decrease in snoring intensity.^1,2
• Bed partner satisfaction with the reduction in snoring after the Pillar Procedure has been documented at 80% or higher.^1,2
• Approximately 80% of patients demonstrated a reduction in their AHI, and results were sustained at one year after the Pillar Procedure.³ Patients experienced less daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in lifestyle after the Pillar Procedure.

1. Maurer JT, Verse T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Hein G. Palatal Implants for Primary Snoring: Short-Term Results of a New Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique. Otolaryngology-HNS 2005 Jan; 132(1):125-31. Read More
2. Maurer JT, Verse T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Hein G. Long-Term Results of the Pillar Palatal Implant System for Primary Snoring. Otolaryngology-HNS 2005 Oct; 133(4):573-8. Read More
3. Goessler UR, Hein G. Verste T, Stuck BA, Hörmann K, Maurer JT. Soft palate implants as a minimally invasive treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Acta Otolaryngol. 2007 May; 127(5):527-31.  Read More