Dr. Aaron Wood Performs First Inspire Implant

The Inspire system is designed for patients with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) who have been unsuccessful with using a CPAP machine for treatment. According to the American Sleep Association, 25 million American adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. People who suffer from OSA often struggle with daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, and episodes of gasping or choking while sleeping.

Typically, those who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea first try treating the cause of their symptoms with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine that aids in preventing the airway from collapsing. CPAP machines can work for many people; however, compliance with the device is historically low. Whether it’s discomfort from the hose, mask or air pressure, reasons for non-compliance differ from patient to patient, and many CPAP users eventually give up using the machine altogether.

Inspire has been designed to eliminate all of the discomfort that comes with CPAP treatment by replacing an external system with an internal device. Inspire therapy, also known as hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy, consists of a small, pacemaker-like impulse generator placed under the skin during a quick out-patient procedure. The impulse generator is connected to a breathing-sensing lead and a stimulation lead that detect when breathing is obstructed and send signals to the hypoglossal nerve that trigger tongue protrusion and open the airway.

The Inspire system has proven results with patient satisfaction of 94%. After the device is implanted, it can be turned on with the click of a button.

If you struggle with obstructive sleep apnea and have had little success with CPAP, Inspire could be your solution for better sleep.