EVALUATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF RTA (RADIOFREQUENCY THERMAL ABLATION) IN TREATMENT OF PATHOLOGIES OF THE UPPER AIRWAY: A COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: As a therapy strategy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, or RFTA, has been more and more popular
lately. Compared to traditional operations, it offers benefits like less pain, quicker healing, and less postoperative
care.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether RF thermal ablation could be used to treat upper airway
tissue pathologies.
Methods: The current study comprised a total of 28 healthy volunteers who had respiratory disorders related to
sleep disorders. The subjects who were included had their soft palates exposed to radiofrequency energy. All
subjects had evaluations using cephalometric analysis, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Snoring Score, visual analog
scale (VAS) ratings, and inflammatory laboratory values.
Results: Two days after RFTA, tissue loss, mucosal ulcerations, slight speech difficulties, swallowing difficulties,
soft palate swelling, and mild discomfort were all resolved right away. Soft palate length shrinkage was associated
with decreased snoring in regular snorers. Not a single evaluated laboratory metric showed any discernible
difference. VAS ratings were low and erratic. Six patients showed signs of relapse.
Conclusion: The current study comes to the conclusion that RFTA is a suitable and minimally invasive treatment
option for those with habitual snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness who do not have any corresponding
structural abnormalities.