Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Treatment with Inspire
Inspire, an implantable upper airway stimulation (UAS) device is the only FDA-approved implantable device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This groundbreaking technology, introduced by the Minneapolis-based company, offers an innovative approach to manage OSA, a condition marked by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep.
An Innovative Solution for Sleep Apnea
Inspire functions inside the body by delivering stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to stay open during sleep. The device has been specifically designed to reduce apnea events, such as waking during the night and snoring, thus significantly improving the quality of sleep. Moreover, Inspire alleviates the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and masks, which have traditionally been the most common treatment method for OSA.
One of the defining features of Inspire is its user-friendly handheld remote, which gives users complete control to switch the device on and off and adjust voltage levels. The voltage stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, effectively moving the tongue out of the way and maintaining an open airway during sleep.
The Pros and Cons of Inspire
Inspire offers a significant advantage over traditional sleep apnea treatment methods. Patients no longer need to wear a CPAP mask while sleeping, and the handheld remote allows individuals to adjust the stimulation voltage within a range predefined by their physician. It also reduces the risk of sleep apnea-related complications, such as heart problems, stroke, and diabetes.
Inspire may not be suitable for all people with sleep apnea, and potential candidates must qualify for treatment. Book a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Phillips to determine your eligibility for Inspire therapy.
How Does Inspire’s Sleep Apnea Device Work?
Inspire’s sleep apnea device is designed for adults with moderate to severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP machines and masks. The device works by using electrical stimulation of the patient’s hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep.
The Inspire device is surgically implanted during a 90-minute outpatient procedure. A neurostimulator device is placed in the upper chest under the skin through a small incision. A wire then connects this device to the hypoglossal nerve through a second incision made under the chin. When turned on by the user, the device stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, moving the tongue forward and out of the way of the throat to ensure unobstructed breathing during sleep.
Who Can Benefit from Inspire?
Inspire therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe OSA who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP, who are not significantly obese, and who are at least 18 years old. All candidates must undergo a drug-induced sleep endoscopy to ensure the proper functioning of the device within their specific airway configuration.
In conclusion, Inspire represents a significant advancement in the treatment of OSA, offering a less intrusive, highly effective alternative for patients who cannot use or derive consistent benefits from traditional CPAP machines. While it may not be suitable for everyone, for those who qualify, Inspire has the potential to dramatically improve their sleep quality and overall health.
