What is Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation?
Before going to bed, the patient turns Inspire therapy on with the small, Inspire® Sleep Remote. While the patient is sleeping, the Inspire system monitors each breath he or she takes.
Mild, rhythmic stimulation goes to the hypoglossal nerve. Which moves the tongue and other soft tissues out of the airway. Upper airway tone is restored, allowing the patient to breathe during sleep.
How does Inspire® Airway Stimulation work?
Inspire® is the only FDA approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment. It treats the root cause of sleep apnea with the click of a button. This small device keeps your airway open. It delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles using a gentle pulse to move your tongue for better breathing.
What does the Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Do?
The image below illustrates the placement of the device. Is also shows the stimulation electrodes on the targeted branches of the hypoglossal nerve.
The goal of this therapy is to synchronize the stimulation of specific motor nerves. These nerves control the tongue and soft palate so that the airway remains open during sleep.
How is the Inspire® device implanted?
This implantation happens under general anesthesia with 3 small incisions. One under the chin, one below the collar bone and the last on the side of your chest.
Trained doctors activate the device in 4 weeks. Then a post-operative sleep study happens to make sure there is proper stimulation. This is for fine tuning your device. Inspire monitors the breathing while you sleep and every time you take a breath a gentle pulse moves the tongue out of the way and keeps you breathing freely and sleeping soundly.
How long does Inspire® Surgery take?
The Inspire® Surgery is an outpatient procedure that lasts for 2 to 3 hours. If there are special circumstances, a one-night stay in the hospital may be recommended. Pain after the procedure can vary but is usually not severe. Most patients cake over the counter pain meds and can resume strenuous activities in just a few weeks.
Who is a candidate for this procedure?
First the doctor will evaluate your overall health.
Inspire® works for patients who are:
- Diagnosed with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: AHI 15-65
- Unable to use or get benefit from CPAP
- Not obese: BMI <35
- Age 18+
- Airway exam – You take a short-acting medication to put you to sleep. While sleeping, a camera records how your airway functions. The exam only takes 20 minutes and determines if Inspire® is right for you.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea causes sleep issues, forgetfulness, headaches, it increases the risk for stroke, heart attack, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and the likelihood of an auto accident happening. Learn more about our Inspire Therapy Surgery.
If you are struggling with CPAP, Colorado ENT & Allergy would be happy to see if you qualify for Inspire. Please call us at 719-867-7800 to schedule your evaluation.
