17 Jan Robotic surgery used to treat Sleep Apnoea
While CPAP is the Gold Standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, it can be difficult to tolerate for some uses. Other treatment options can be effective depending on the severity of sleep apnoea and anatomical make up which may contribute to the obstruction.
For example, enlarged tonsils can take up excess space in the airway blocking the flow of air into the lungs. Removal of the tonsils in these cases may help treat some patients.
A new snake-like surgical robot is being used in the USA to go inside the throat and remove tissue which may be blocking the airway. Guided by high definition cameras, the surgery is minimally invasive compared to traditional throat surgeries, with smaller incisions, less blood loss and improved recovery times.
Some sleep apnoea treatments will not always work for every person so be sure to contact your doctor for a sleep study and review by a sleep physician to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Originally posted:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/01/16/sleep-apnea-treatment-uses-snake-like-surgical-robot.html