Airlift Hyoid Suspension

Airlift Hyoid Suspension | Silenso Clinic

An estimated 18 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, 80% of which are undiagnosed. Caused by a collapse of the airway during sleeping, obstructive sleep apnea can be a disruptive and life-threatening condition.

Airlift hyoid suspension is a revolutionary treatment addressing the root cause of sleep apnea. A minimally invasive, adjustable, and reversible procedure, airlift hyoid suspension immediately relieves obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep and breathing problems are principal reasons patients visit Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, an industry-leading board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). 

If you’re experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, then reach out to Dr. Schalch Lepe at (858) 925-5800 or fill in his contact form to arrange your consultation in San Diego today. Silenso Clinic is located in Carmel Valley in North San Diego County and serves many communities throughout the greater San Diego area, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe,  Coronado, Eastlake, Chula Vista, and more. 

Dr. Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS at Silenso Clinic in San Diego

Better Breathing Starts Today

Specializing in the treatment of a variety of conditions (deviated septum, nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.),  Dr. Schalch Lepe is highly qualified and motivated to provide his patients with the best possible treatment results. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has the unique perspective of having trained in multiple countries. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California. 

Meet Dr. Schalch Lepe (English)

Conozca al Dr. Schalch Lepe (Español)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by pauses in breathing and periods with shallow breaths or even without breathing throughout sleep. People who struggle with OSA struggle for oxygen and wake up feeling like they haven’t had a good night’s rest – or not at all – because of the condition.

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway muscles become overly relaxed during sleep, fall back, and allow the airway to collapse. This airway collapse leads to a cessation of breathing, making it impossible for oxygen and carbon dioxide to flow in and out of the body. This causes some patients to wake up during the night multiple times, disturbing sleep and preventing deep sleep. 

How Does Airlift Hyoid Suspension Treat Sleep Apnea?

The hyoid bone is a bone that surrounds the airway. Doctors studying sleep apnea discovered that lifting and suspending the hyoid bone created tension in the airway muscles and helped to prevent airway collapse.

Until now, doctors didn’t have a simple and easily controlled way to lift and suspend the hyoid bone permanently.

Airlift Hyoid Suspension is a simple and safe procedure in which Dr. Schalch Lepe implants permanent sutures and screws that lift and suspends the hyoid bone to the mandible, opening and expanding the airway.

Airlift Hyoid Suspension illustration

Source: Siesta Medical

What Does the Airlift Hyoid Suspension Procedure Involve?

The Airlift Hyoid Suspension procedure is a short, 30-40 minute minimally invasive surgery which involves passing sutures around and behind the hyoid bone, then anchoring these to the mandible. Most patients can go ahead and eat a full meal straight after their operation, and recovery time is minimal.

Airlift Hyoid Suspension starts working straight away, with patients getting better sleep the very night of the procedure.

Airlift Hyoid Suspension as an Alternative to CPAP

One of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea has been continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. This treatment requires patients to wear a mask while they sleep, which pushes air into the upper airway to keep the airway open.

While effective, some patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy for a variety of reasons. Airlift Hyoid Suspension offers patients an alternative solution to treating obstructive sleep apnea with a permanent treatment that doesn’t require any extra equipment or battery charging.

Better Breathing Starts Today!

Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe is a renowned breathing and sleep surgeon. His greatest pride is giving his patients the ability to breathe, sleep, and feel their best using the latest, innovative surgical and non-surgical procedures. 

Key Features and Benefits of Airlift Hyoid Suspension Treatment

  • Minimally invasive, with short operative time and minimal downtime
  • No external or implantable devices required, such as CPAP or nerve stimulators.
  • Durable, long-lasting, safe
  • Covered by insurance
  • Effective immediately after the procedure
  • Treats obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, including in patients with complete concentric collapse.
  • Reduces risk of cardiovascular and OSA-related health complications

Airlift Hyoid Suspension Treatment in San Diego, CA

Sleep and breathing surgeon Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe specializes in various breathing, sleep, and airway treatments (deviated septum, sinus pressure, allergies, enlarged inferior turbinates, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring), all meant to help his patients achieve an improved quality of life by breathing better and sleeping easier. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has been fortunate to gain unique perspectives and experience from his international training and upbringing. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.

Arrange your consultation today by calling (858) 925-5800 or filling out his online form.

Airway Hyoid Suspension FAQs

The creators of the patented airway hyoid suspension treatment package have designed it so the procedure can be performed in as little as thirty minutes.

Source: Siesta Medical

Using a purpose-designed kit, Dr. Schalch Lepe uses knotless suture anchors to create slip-free, precise tension control on the hyoid bone using high-strength suspension lines threaded with the innovative Revolution Suture Passer.

Yes, your insurance should cover the airway hyoid suspension treatment procedure because it is an essential procedure that will directly impact your quality of life by treating obstructive sleep apnea.

The treatment is designed to be long-lasting but also entirely reversible and adjustable. This means if you are happy with the results of your treatment, you’ll continue to enjoy the benefits for many years to come. However, if for some reason you aren’t satisfied or would like to try an alternative sleep apnea treatment, then the airway hyoid suspension system can easily and rapidly be removed.

Ask a Question, Schedule a Consultation