Long-term results of palatal implants for obstructive sleep apnea

Successful results of palatal implants in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been reported in the short term; however, there are limited data in the long-term results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results and to determine factors that predicted the responders in patients undergoing palatal implants in the treatment of OSA. A study was undertaken on 92 OSA patients. Palatal implants were conducted to stiffen the soft palate and data were analyzed. Patients tolerated the procedure well. They were examined between 26 and 32 months after the operation (mean 28.9 ± 4.8). Age range was 25–65 years (38.4 ± 10.5) and BMI was 27.3 ± 2.4 kg/m. The mean preoperative ESS score was 12.3 ± 2.6 and long-term ESS was 7.9 ± 1.8 (p < 0.001). The mean VAS for snoring in the baseline was 8.2 ± 1.2 and long-term VAS was 3.8 ± 2.3 (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative LSAT and long-term LSAT were 87.4 ± 6.7 and 89.2 ± 4.8%, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean AHI decreased from 21.7 ± 6.8 to 10.8 ± 4.8 (p < 0.001). Forty-eight (52.2%) patients had long-term surgical response. Responders had significantly lower preoperative BMI, AHI, and MMP level than non-responders. Implant extrusion occurred in seven patients (7.6%) and palatal abscess in one patient (1.1%). Bleeding and airway obstruction were not encountered. Palatal implants in carefully selected patients suffering from mild OSA, give fairly good long-term results and have a low complication rate.