A minimally invasive technique for tongue base stabilization in obstructive sleep apnea

Tongue base collapse is a problematic component of obstructive sleep apnea from a surgical point of view. Current surgical technique requires invasive surgery with related morbidity. Presented in this article is initial experience with a new minimally invasive technique that achieves stabilization of the tongue base. This technique uses a soft tissue to bone anchor inserted intra-orally into the mandible with an attached Prolene (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc, Cincinnati, OH) 1-0 suture that is passed through the tongue. After incorporation of the suture in the tongue musculature rigidity is added to the airway. This procedure can be performed alone or as part of a comprehensive multilevel approach in obstructive sleep apnea surgery.