The Inspire implant is a new treatment available for patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea, who are unable to tolerate treatment with CPAP. The Inspire implant is a small device placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure. At bedtime, you activate a remote to turn the device on to open your airway while sleeping.
The Inspire implant was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea. The Inspire implant is placed under the skin of the neck and chest during an outpatient procedure. Once activated, it applies gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to open during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a common disorder, affecting 24% of men and 9% of women between the age of 30 and 60. The complications associated with OSA are due to the recurrent lowering of blood oxygen levels. OSA is associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction.
Unfortunately, a significant number of people with OSA are not being treated. It is estimated that compliance with CPAP is only 50%. The Inspire implant is a significant advance in the treatment of moderate-severe OSA, enabling successful treatment without the need for masks or hoses.
