UTHSC ENT - M Boyd Gillespie - Airlift Procedure - Sleep Apnea

Our new Sleep Surgery Clinic

M. Boyd Gillespie, M.D. is the chair of our ENT department and director of our new Sleep Surgery Clinic. Recently, Dr. Gillespie moved the clinic to a beautiful Germantown location, perfectly-located near our patients out east.

Our Sleep Surgery Clinic is the only one of its kind in the region, offering cutting-edge procedures and technologies from our fellowship-trained specialist. We recently highlighted the Inspire device, a game-changing technology for patients with snoring and sleep apnea issues.

Now, we’re thrilled to introduce the Airlift procedure!

What is the Airlift procedure?

Approximately 30% of patients with sleep apnea (OSA) experience collapse of the lower throat muscles, which leads to snoring and blockage of the airway during sleep. These muscles are attached to a bone called the hyoid bone located above the Adam’s Apple.

In patients with lower throat collapse, this bone can be lifted in a superior and forward direction using the Airlift procedure in order to open the airspace of the lower throat.

What can I expect from the procedure?

The Airlift is performed under anesthesia in the hospital. The procedure takes approximately one hour and is placed through two small cosmetically acceptable incisions.

Unlike other sleep surgeries that are painful due to removal of throat tissue (e.g. tonsillectomy), AirLift involves no tissue removal; this reduces pain and allows faster return to a normal diet. It is also completely reversible in the event that the desired result in not obtained.

A recent research study found AirLift to be effective therapy in 80% of patients with minimal side-effects.

How can UT’s “Dream Team” help?

Dr. Gillespie is the only sleep specialist in the area performing this life-changing procedure. Our Dream Team of ENT doctors continue to provide world class treatment in your hometown!

If you have sleep or snoring issues, we’d love to hear from you! Please call for an appointment to see if you qualify for this procedure: 901-737-3021

Schedule your appointment today!

M. Boyd Gillespie, M.D.

M. Boyd Gillespie, M.D.

Sleep Apnea Specialist

Location:
UT Baptist Sleep Surgery Clinic
7675 Wolf River Circle | Suite 202
Germantown, TN 38138

Make an appointment: 
Call: 901-737-3021