The Encore™ System is newly developed and is available in the US. The treatment includes an implant that is surgically placed in the tongue and lower jaw. The purpose of the implant is to prevent obstruction of the upper airway thereby improve breathing during sleep.

The Encore™ System consists of two parts: a tongue suspension loop and a bone anchor. The tongue suspension loop is placed into the tongue with a specially designed suture passer which allows the procedure to be performed through a small incision under the chin. The suspension loop is then connected to the bone anchor which enables the tongue to be gently advanced out of the airway by your doctor. Advancing the tongue prevents it from falling back and blocking the airway during sleep but does not cause swallowing problems. In some cases, the doctor may decide to place more than one suspension loop to better advance the tongue. The Encore System procedure may be performed with either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

The Encore™ Tongue Suspension System Implant.

Click here to see an animation of the Encore™ procedure.

The Encore™ procedure usually takes less than 45 minutes, is performed by Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Specialists, also known as Otolaryngologists and is available in the United States.