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News Release

February 7, 2005

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Snore No More

New Procedure at UConn Health Center Stops Snoring at Its Source

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Say “night-night” to snoring with a new procedure available at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Ear, nose and throat specialist Jeffrey Spiro, M.D., is offering a new treatment to stop snoring through a one-time, in-office, minimally-invasive procedure.

Snoring is caused when the soft palate vibrates during sleep. The new Pillar procedure stiffens the soft palate, thereby preventing vibrations.

“This procedure aims to eliminate snoring by going right to the soft palate – the source of snoring problems for most patients,” Dr. Spiro explained. “Unlike earlier procedures, this appears to be a more durable, long term approach. Another advantage is that it does not require multiple steps; it is completed with one visit.”

During the procedure, Dr. Spiro places three small inserts in the soft palate. The inserts are designed to be permanent. Once in place, the inserts add structural support to the soft palate. Over time, the body’s natural tissue response to the inserts increases the stiffness of the soft palate.

“The inserts are made of a type of polyester that has been used in implantable medical devices for many years and seems to be very well tolerated,” Dr. Spiro added. “The availability of this procedure is good news for people who want to stop snoring – and even better news for their spouses.”

The Pillar procedure was approved by the FDA in September of 2004 for the treatment of mild sleep apnea. To learn more, call the Health Center at 800-535-6232 or 679-7692.

UConn Health includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital. Home to Bioscience Connecticut, UConn Health pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. More information about UConn Health is available at www.uchc.edu.

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