The Pillar Procedure from Medtronic: A Simple In-Office Treatment That May Stop Snoring

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Imagine spending just 20 minutes in a doctor’s office to get relief and finally stop snoring or reduce your snoring. You can with the Pillar Procedure from Medtronic.

During the Pillar Procedure, a doctor places three tiny woven implants, which look like tiny soft pillars, into the soft palate using a sterile delivery tool. Over time, the implants, together with the body’s natural fibrotic response, add structural support to stiffen the soft palate and reduce the tissue vibration that can cause snoring. The implants also help reduce the tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Pillar Procedure implants are made of a woven polyester material that has been used in implantable medical devices for more than 50 years. Patient’s can’t 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.

See a video of how the Pillar Procedure works.

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 Learn how to talk to your bed partner about snoring and the Pillar Procedure.
  • Approximately 80% of patients demonstrated a reduction in their sleep apnea hypopnea index (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.4

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
4. Data on file.
Important Safety InformationThe Pillar® Procedure is indicated for use in a) the reduction of symptomatic, habitual or social snoring caused by a 
flutter of tissue in the soft palate, and/or b) upper airway obstruction in patients with mild to moderate obstructive 
sleep apnea or “OSA”. The Pillar Procedure is a minimally invasive polyester implant that is used to stiffen the soft 
palate tissue to reduce the flutter that causes snoring and/or palatal obstruction of the upper airway.More complete information.This therapy is not for everyone. Please consultant an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) specialist to determine if you are a candidate. This procedure must be performed by a qualified physician. For further information, please call Medtronic ENT at 800-874-5797.

Attention Physicians: For further information, please call Medtronic at 1-800-874-5797 or consult Medtronic ENT’s website at http://www.medtronicsleep.com