Coblation Channeling for the Tongue

Objective: Investigate the efficacy of coblation-channeling for the tongue (CCT) in treatment of tongue hypertrophy in OSAHS.

Method: CCT was performed on 30 patients with OSAHS with tongue Friedman III or IV. Tongues were channeled perpendicularly to tongue base with laterally to tongue body from 10mm before FC and 25 mm from apex using Coblator II Wand Reflex55.

Results: MRI was done at 12 month follow-up and showed the retrolingual airway space had widened significantly without severe complications. Tongue base were decreased from Friedman III or IV to I or II.

Conclusion: The results showed that CCT was a safe, minimally invasive, effective and repeatable option for hypertrophy tongue, although long term observations need to be done.