Objective: Determine patient factors associated with the success and complications of using the Pillar palatal implants for snoring management.
Study design: Retrospective series of 79 consecutive adult patients receiving Pillar implants for snoring management between January 2005 and December 2007. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with initial and final bed partner satisfaction with the snoring result, and factors associated with Pillar-related complications.
Results: A total of 64 of 79 (81%) bed partners reported snoring improvement in patients after initial Pillar implantation; however, only 31 (39%) were satisfied with the level of reduction. Following secondary procedures, the number of satisfied bed partners improved to 52 (66%). Factors associated with final bed partner satisfaction included lower initial apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (P = 0.029), Friedman tongue position I or II (P = 0.008), and shorter follow-up time (P = 0.001). Sixteen patients (20%) experienced procedure-related complications. Factors associated with Pillar complications included female gender (P = 0.001) and placement under general anesthesia (P = 0.009).
Conclusions: Initial AHI values and tongue position scores are important determinants of final snoring success. Pillar implants placed in women and under general anesthesia may have a higher risk of poor placement and extrusion.