251.943.1117

Radiofrequency Tongue Ablation Foley, AL

Family ENT Practice

What is radiofrequency ablation of the base of tongue?

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the base of tongue is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring that may be performed if the tongue is the primary cause of OSA and snoring symptoms. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the size of the tongue base so that the airway is clearer and less likely to cause a blockage.

Snoring doctor in alabama

Why is the RF ablation of base of tongue performed?

Radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base is typically performed when an enlarged or high-arched tongue base is contributing to airway obstruction and snoring.

By shrinking the size of the tongue base, the procedure:

Enlarges and stabilizes the airway
Reduces tongue vibrations and snoring intensity
Prevents airway obstruction and allows for better breathing during sleep

What does the RF ablation of the tongue base procedure involve?

Before performing radiofrequency tongue ablation, Dr. Kowal will administer local anesthesia to the base of the tongue to ensure you feel no discomfort during the procedure. Next, a small specialized device that emits radiofrequency energy waves will be inserted in the mouth. It will be used to target the tissue at the base of the tongue. In the weeks and months that follow radiofrequency treatment, the targeted tissue of the tongue will shrink in size. As a result, snoring intensity is reduced and airway obstruction from the tongue is less likely to occur.

Tongue ablation does not interfere with normal functioning of the tongue and complications of radiofrequency ablation are rare.

 

What are the advandages of RF ablation of the tongue base?

RF ablation of the tongue base offers a number of advantages, including:

Minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in-office
Effective CPAP alternative for snoring and sleep apnea
No cutting involved
Done using only local anesthetic
Fast and easy recovery
Most patients can resume normal diet and activity the same day

 

Dr. Keith Kowal, a highly experienced ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist in Foley, Alabama is an expert in enhanced treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, including the minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base procedure. If you have OSA symptoms or chronic snoring and want to do something about it, you can trust Dr. Kowal and his 30 years of experience. His goal is to help his patients breathe better and sleep better to live better! A consultation with Dr. Kowal is the first step to a good night’s sleep and a healthier lifestyle for you and your bed partner. To find out whether you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation of the tongue, call 251.943.1117 today to schedule an appointment or simply fill out the form on this page.

    More PROCEDURES

    OUR PROCEDURES

    Inspire - a cpap alternative

    The Inspire upper airway stimulation system consists of a small impulse generator implanted beneath the clavicle, a tunneled breathing sensing lead placed between the external and intercostal muscles, and a tunneled stimulation lead attached to the branch of the hypoglossal nerve that produces tongue protrusion.

    When the sensing lead detects inspiration is occurring, the impulse generator sends a signal via the stimulation lead to the hypoglossal nerve, which results in slight forward displacement of the stiffened tongue. The impulse generator is similar in size and appearance to a cardiac pacemaker, and the latest version is magnetic resonance imaging compatible.

    Balloon Sinuplasty

    Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic or recurrent sinusitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the sinuses. This advanced treatment opens up blocked or narrow sinus passages to relieve sinus pain and pressure without the need for cutting. During the procedure, natural sinus openings and surrounding tissue are preserved.

    Dr. Keith Kowal at ENT Centers of Excellence is one of the only ENT physicians in the region who offers Balloon Sinuplasty in-office. They both can perform Balloon Sinuplasty as an outpatient procedure as well.

    Transoral Robotic Surgery

    ENT Centers of Excellence is pleased to offer a breakthrough, state-of-the-art surgery called transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive procedure that offers numerous benefits to patients. TORS can be used for multiple purposes, for treatment of both sleep disorders and head and neck cancers. Dr. Keith Kowal is the only board-certified provider of TORS in the region.

    Lateral Pharyngoplasty

    Lateral pharyngoplasty is surgery that is designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. The procedure involves a combination of tissue removal and tissue repositioning of the roof of the mouth (soft palate) as well as the tissues on the sides of the throat (the lateral pharyngeal tissues).

    Radiofrequency Ablation (of the tongue)

    Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the base of tongue is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring that may be performed if the tongue is the primary cause of OSA and snoring symptoms. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the size of the tongue base so that the airway is clearer and less likely to cause a blockage.

    Hyoid Suspension

    Hyoid suspension is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the neck that has attachments to muscles of the tongue as well as other muscles and soft tissues around the throat. The hyoid bone is free to move around rather than firmly anchored in position, and this mobility may cause this area to collapse and cause airway blockage during sleep. With a hyoid suspension procedure, this mobility is eliminated.