Treating Chronic Nasal Congestion
History & Side Effects of Radioablation

How long has Coblation^TM treatments been performed for chronic nasal congestion?
Dr. Mansoor Madani introduced the application of the Coblation^TM for the treatment of chronic nasal congestion and snoring in July 1999. However, electrosurgical equipment and techniques have been used in medicine for about 100 years.  First, practitioners thought that passing currents through the body (Diathermy) has certain healing properties. Seventy years ago, RF energy was first used as a cauterizing device in general surgery.

More recently, RF energy has been used to treat supra-ventricular arrhythmia in non-invasion cardiology and for rhizotomy procedures in neurology to reduce muscle contraction.  RF energy has been used successfully for treatment of prostate tumors. While highly useful and effective, some of these instruments generate extreme heat that can produce collateral damage to surrounding tissue.

Lasers were introduced in mid 20th century. They offered a number of benefits over electrosurgery and have gained widespread use for treatment of many illnesses and medical conditions including snoring and mild sleep apnea. However, the most recent radiofrequency treatment including Somnoplasty ^TM/SM and Coblation^TM are promising, minimally invasive techniques with the least amount of pain and at the same time with excellent results. Although further studies are required for both systems, in nasal turbinate surgery, radiofrequency energy is our number one choice of treatment.

What are the side effects of the radioablation?
Swelling and increased nasal drainage are the main side effect after turbinate radioablation which usually lasts up to 3-4 weeks.  Most of our patients report no pain following either palatal or turbinate radioablation procedure. If any pain is endured, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol are recommended.  

Does this procedure affect the voice in any way?
There has not been any report of voice change with our patients.

Are the taste buds affected in anyway?
No. The taste buds are not affected in any way.

Are these procedures/ devices approved by the FDA (United State’s Food & Drug Administration)?
Yes. In July of 1997, the FDA approved a new outpatient treatment for habitual snoring; using radiofrequency (Somnoplasty^TM/SM).  Later it was also approved for turbinates, tonsils and the tongue.  FDA also approved Coblation procedures in 1999.

Where can I go to have the nasal radioablation procedure?
Experience is the key factor when searching for a qualified surgeon. As one of the pioneers and specialists of laser surgery, Dr. Madani, who has performed thousands of laser procedures, now offers a combination of laser and radiofrequency treatment at his center. He has dedicated all his time and researches in developing new techniques to find a solution for snoring, sleep apnea and nasal congestion. To learn more about this procedure, or to find out if you are a candidate for radiofrequency or laser surgery, contact Dr. Madani's state-of-the-art office at 1-800-206-2000.

What is the cost for such a remarkable procedure?
There is no charge for the initial consultation. The standard surgical fee for the nasal radioablation is $1,100.00. At this time, most insurance companies in the United States do not recognize this procedure as a covered medical expense. (Laser surgery fees are $2,100.00).  If the nasal obstruction is affected by blockage in the end point of the nasal passage (roof of the mouth) we may consider both procedures at the same time. ($ 3000)

If you would like more information on the fees of the laser or radiofrequency procedure, you can e-mail Dr. Madani at drmadani@snorenet.com.

How many procedures has Dr. Madani performed?
Dr. Madani has performed over 7000 procedures for the treatment of snoring and chronic nasal congestion.  He treats patients from within the United States as well as from countries all over the world.

Make your appointment online now for consultation & evaluation

 

What are you waiting for?  Call now to set up an appointment:   1-800-206-2000

Dr. Madani is one of the pioneers of a new laser surgery technique to treat snoring and mild sleep apnea. The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or instruction. Individuals with suspected or diagnosed sleep apnea syndrome, any sleep disorder or other conditions discussed in this site should consider a personal evaluation in our facility or contact a qualified professional for further treatment.

Coblation^TM is a registered trademark of Arthrocare Corporation and Somnoplasty^TM/SM is a registered trademark of Somnus Medical Technologies.