Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America (SATCOA) performs a highly advanced, in-office procedure known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The minimally invasive procedure takes place in the physician’s office over the course of five to eight treatments. Each procedure from start to finish takes less than 45 minutes with actual treatment to the area lasting from 2 to 5 minutes. All patients are able to drive themselves home or back to work immediately following the procedure. RFA is safe, effective and shown to be a great alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

The instrument is placed into the muscle at the back of the tongue to deliver treatment.	Healing causes shrinkage and tightening of the tongue tissues, therefore more space for breathing is created.

How Does It Work?

RFA directs small amounts of targeted energy to the base of the tongue in the back of the throat using a non-invasive device. Following the procedure, the treated area heals, and the tissue is tightened and reduced in size, which directly prevents the tongue from blocking the airway while the patient is sleeping. The outpatient procedure is performed with local anesthesia.

Why Is Radiofrequency The Best Treatment Option For Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

In contrast to other OSA surgeries, the RFA procedure has a far shorter recovery time and significantly less post-operative pain. The recovery time for other OSA surgical procedures is typically several weeks with the accompaniment of narcotics, while the recovery time for the RFA procedure is just a few days with only an over-the-counter painkiller suggested, if necessary. This procedure has shown consistent positive results as being a sleep disorder cure for OSA.

What Are The Benefits Of Treatment?

• Lessen daytime sleepiness
• Improve concentration and memory
• Decrease risk for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke
• Reduce the risk of car accidents

Why Aren’t More Physicians Performing The Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure For Osa?

RFA isn’t a new sleep apnea treatment. In fact, RFA has been conducted for over 10 years. But up until the creation of SATCOA, RFA was an invasive procedure performed solely in an operating room. The physicians at SATCOA have developed groundbreaking medical protocols to conduct RFA in a medical office setting. This procedure was taken from the OR to the doctor’s office in order to increase patient comfort, reduce swelling and maximize results.

Who Is A Candidate For Radiofrequency Ablation?

If you show signs of sleep apnea you may be a candidate. Any individual that has been diagnosed with OSA due to obstruction of the airway at the base of the tongue is a candidate for this procedure. A sleep study is required for all patients looking to diagnose the severity of their OSA. If you haven’t had a sleep study, SATCOA can refer you to take one. Or a home sleep study will be prescribed for your comfort and convenience.

If you or someone you know has OSA, find out whether RFA is the best treatment option for you. Contact one of our medical concierges today at 1-855-863-4537 or schedule a free consultation when it’s convenient for you.

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