ABSTRACT
Using the 1 cm straight electrode designed for palate Somnoplasty, and preset maximum temperature and energy settings of 85C and 600 J, respectively, a predictable prolate sphere (‘‘football’’ shape) submucosal tissue lesion will be formed in muscle measuring approximately 15mm in length by 8mm in width, with some minor variability due to existing tissue conditions (Fig. 1). Powell and Riley, who pioneered the first applications of TCRF in the upper airway, found that when applied to soft palate muscle, the target tissue would become stiffer and reduced in volume, but without overt changes in overall palate appearance other than a slight shortening effect of 5.5mm, as measured from the nasal spine to the tip of the uvula (1).
