AIRvance Procedure

AIRvance Procedure

At ENT of Georgia South

A significant factor in OSA can be the repetitive collapsing of the tongue, resulting in partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway passage. At ENT of Georgia South, the AIRvance procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. This procedure offers a new, unique option for patients suffering from sleep apnea due to airway obstruction by the tongue.

The AIRvance THS procedure, formerly known as the Repose System, is an FDA- approved surgical procedure that stabilizes the tongue and prevents it from collapsing and obstructing the airway. It involves inserting a sling-like device under the chin to support the tongue and keep it from falling backward during sleep. This is known as a tongue suspension procedure. The same device can also be implanted in the hyoid bone to bring the bone forward and enlarge the airway. This is known as a hyoid suspension procedure. In severe cases of sleep apnea, the device is often inserted at both sites.

How Does the

AIRvance Procedure Work?

It involves a specially-trained sleep apnea doctor using a device to implant a small, sling-like suture under your chin that works like a hammock. The suture, which is held in place by a tiny titanium screw, supports your tongue to keep it from falling backward during sleep. Using the same device, a surgeon can also implant the suture in the hyoid bone at the base of the tongue. The suture repositions the hyoid bone, bringing it forward and up, effectively moving the tongue further away from the airway. As with the tongue procedure, the hyoid suture is held in place by tiny titanium screws.

Quick procedure that only takes about 60 minutes to perform
Fast recovery
Causes no significant change to outward facial appearance, in contrast with traditional jaw repositioning surgeries
Provides long-lasting relief from snoring and sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction by the tongue

Results from clinical studies confirm that use of the AIRvance procedure provides significant, long-term improvement of symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea.

Clinical studies of the AIRvance THS System have shown that patients experienced:

A significant decrease in their apnea index – as much as 73%
Long-term cure rates up to 78% based upon a three-year follow-up study
Less daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in lifestyle

Take the first step towards a better night’s sleep and a healthier lifestyle for you and your bed partner. Make an appointment at ENT of Georgia South for an evaluation today.