Implant design and construction

The current Pillar implant was selected after investigation and study of a wide variety of biocompatible materials and implant designs. The implant consists of multiple polyester fibers woven together into precise specifications. The implant design requires that two ultrasonic welds melt the fibers together creating a depression at the surface of each end to prevent unraveling. A schematic of the implant and a photomicrograph of a section of the implant obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is shown below. The implant length is 18 mm and the diameter is approximately 2 mm.

Implant schematic and photomicrograph.

The Pillar® System is indicated for use in a) the reduction of symptomatic, habitual or social snoring caused by a flutter of tissue in the soft palate, and/or b) upper airway obstruction in patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea or "OSA". The Pillar System is a minimally invasive implant that is used to stiffen the soft palate tissue to reduce the flutter that causes snoring and/or palatal obstruction of the upper airway.

Physicians interested in the Instructions for Use (IFU).