Temperature controlled radiofrequency ablation at different sites for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study seeks to determine the efficacy of temperature controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) to alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and reduce polysomnographic measures of OSA in the first year post-treatment. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Two independent searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE bibliographic databases, and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews to identify publications relevant to OSA and TCRFTA. Effectiveness of TCRFTA was measured separately for application of TCRFTA at the base of tongue and soft palate, and for multilevel intervention using the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and bed partner’s rating of snoring using a visual analogue scale (VAS snoring). The most recent search was conducted in April 2013. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.2 using a relative measure of effect, i.e., ratio of means (RoM). Results: Our initial search resulted in 29 eligible studies, and subsequently, 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Substantial and consistent improvement in PSG and subjective outcomes were observed post-TCRFTA in the base of tongue (BOT) and multilevel surgery groups only. Application of TCRFTA at the BOT was associated with a significant reduction in RDI (RoM 0.60, CI 0.47–0.76), ESS (RoM 0.59, CI 0.51–0.67), and VAS snoring (RoM 0.48, CI 0.37–0.62) and increase in lowest oxygen saturation (RoM 1.05, CI 1.01–1.10). Similarly, a significant reduction in RDI (RoM 0.61, CI 0.47–0.80) and ESS (RoM 0.79, CI −0.71 to 0.88) was observed after multilevel TCRFTA, but substantial heterogeneity between these studies was observed. Conclusion: TCRFTA is clinically effective in reducing RDI levels and symptoms of sleepiness in patients with OSA syndrome when directed at the base of tongue or as a multilevel procedure.