ArthroCare ENT: Base of Tongue Channeling

Base of Tongue Channeling

Coblation Base of Tongue Channeling

Coblation Base of Tongue (BOT) Channeling provides fast and easy reduction of tongue tissue for the minimally invasive treatment of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The procedure is performed with the ReFlex Ultra® 65 Plasma Wand and typically involves creation of six or more channels in the base of the tongue. Each channel removes a small amount to submucosal tissue and creates a thermal lesion which, after healing, further reduces bulky tongue tissue.

Clinical Information

Greene D. Low temperature-controlled bipolar RF ablation (Coblation) for the treatment of retroglossal obstruction in the multilevel surgical management of OSAS. Poster presentation at COSM 2007.

The author found Coblation to be more rapid than existing RF base-of-tongue devices, with similar clinical effectiveness, and a high degree of safety, shown by the lack of any significant complications. In sum, this retrospective study suggests that Coblation is a rapid, safe, and effective technique for the management of retroglossal obstruction in OSAS.
Akst L, et al. Low-Temperature Radiofrequency Molecular Disassociation (Coblation) for Base-of-Tongue Reduction in OSA. Poster presentation at Triological Society 2004.

This pilot study supports the safety and efficacy of Coblation for base-of-tongue reduction, likely equivalent to that achieved with traditional temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation. The more rapid tissue effect with this new technique may promote increased patient acceptance of base-of-tongue reduction.