Article: Palatal implants: a new surgical technique for sleep apnea.(SLEEP MEDICINE)

Sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the oropharynx block the airway during sleep. The typical surgery for sleep apnea--uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)--removes the uvula and excessive fatty tissue in the oropharynx in order to widen the upper airway and allow airflow during sleep. Yet after surgery, airway blockage may still occur during sleep. This occurs because inspiratory pressures can draw tissues not altered by UPPP surgery into the airway during sleep. To prevent post-surgical airway blockage, scientists have begun developing surgical techniques that modify tissues now left untouched by the UPPP surgery. One area of interest is the soft palate.

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