Objectives: Radiofrequency volume reduction (RFTVR) is a minor procedure directed at reducing the tongue base volume to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Subjective and objective treatment effectiveness was evaluated.
Study design and setting: Two separate prospective, matched, nonrandomized, open enrollment treatment groups (RFTVR, n = 73 and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, n = 99) were concurrently enrolled in a multicenter study.
Results: Fifty-six (76.7%) RFTVR completed PSG with a mean 5.4 +/- 1.8 treatments (13,394 +/- 5459 joules). Perioperatively, acute pain was mild to moderate; edema, mucosal erosion, paresthesia, tinnitus were infrequent; and speech, swallowing taste, or throat irritation were unchanged. Self-reported outcomes did not differ between RFTVR and CPAP groups. Mean apnea/hypopnea index decreased (40.5 +/- 21.5 to 32.8 +/- 22.6 events/hr, P < 0.01). Electrolyte solution injected predicted results (r = 0.43, P < 0.001). The most severe complication was abscess (1.1%).
Conclusion: RFTVR improves apnea/hypopnea index. Improvement may be related to solution injected with treatment. RFTVR and CPAP clinical outcomes improvement were similar.
Clinical significance: In mild obstructive sleep apnea, treatment of symptomatic outcomes with RFTVR may be an alternative to CPAP.