Somnus Medical Technologies

Somnus Medical Technologies was a medical device company that pioneered the use of radiofrequency energy for treating sleep-disordered breathing. The company developed the Somnoplasty system, a minimally invasive technology designed to reduce and stiffen tissues in the upper airway, including the soft palate, base of the tongue, and turbinates. This technology provided a clinical alternative to more invasive surgeries for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, chronic nasal obstruction, and habitual snoring. By utilizing temperature-controlled energy, the Somnoplasty procedure could often be performed in an outpatient or office-based setting under local anesthesia. Somnus was a leader in the ENT space until its acquisition by Smith & Nephew in 2001. The acquisition integrated Somnus's RF technology into Smith & Nephew's endoscopy and ENT business units.