It’s been over a year since we covered the Pillar System for obstructive sleep apnea. But the company that makes the device, Restore Medical, continues moving forward, having filed for an IPO this year.
The Pillar system is a minimally invasive, implantable medical device to treat sleep-disordered breathing, which includes OSA and snoring. During the procedure a physician implants three small, braided polyester inserts into the muscle of the soft palate to stiffen it. This minimizes or eliminates the palatal tissue vibration that can cause snoring and the collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause OSA. Restore got FDA clearance for the treatment for snoring in December 2002 and OSA in July 2004.
The filing says more than 1,000 physicians have performed 11,000 Pillar procedures, with U.S. patients paying an average of $1,200 to $2,500.
Since one in five adults may suffer from OSA, and since the procedure looks pretty simple (at least on the company’s animated flash), Restore Medical could be poised for big things. Definitely one to watch.
More from Restore Medical…