Sleep apnea is a medical condition where a person experiences multiple pauses in breathing while they sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a minute and can occur as many as thirty times an hour.

It is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke if left untreated.

For many years, the only treatment option for sleep apnea was a Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP uses a mask and an air pump to force air into the airway, preventing it from closing during sleep.

While effective for many people, the CPAP is not for everyone. Some people find it uncomfortable to wear, and it can be difficult to use while traveling.

Fortunately, a new treatment option has emerged that can cure sleep apnea. The new implant is a groundbreaking device from Great Britain that has been found to be incredibly effective in treating this condition.

What is the Chest Implant for Sleep Apnea?

The implant is a small device that is placed under the skin of the patient’s chest. It is about the size of a pacemaker and works by stimulating the nerves that control the tongue and other muscles in the airway.

The stimulation causes the tongue and muscles to move and open the airway, preventing the pauses in breathing that occur during sleep.

The chest implant is inserted in a minimally invasive procedure that takes about an hour. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and a small incision is made in the chest. The device is then inserted, and the incision is closed.

Patients can typically go home on the same day.

How Effective is the Chest Implant?

The chest implant has been found to be incredibly effective in treating sleep apnea. In clinical trials, 90% of patients who received the implant experienced significant improvement in their symptoms.

Patients reported sleeping better, feeling more alert during the day, and experiencing fewer nighttime awakenings.

One of the biggest advantages of the chest implant is that it provides a long-term solution to sleep apnea. Unlike the CPAP, which must be used every night, the implant is a one-time procedure that provides a permanent cure.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Chest Implant?

Not everyone with sleep apnea is a good candidate for the chest implant. Patients who are overweight or obese may not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

Additionally, patients with central sleep apnea, which is caused by a problem with the nervous system, may not benefit from the chest implant.

However, for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, the chest implant is an excellent treatment option. Patients who are unable to tolerate the CPAP or who do not find it effective may find relief with the chest implant.

What are the Risks of the Chest Implant?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with the chest implant. The most common side effect is pain and discomfort at the site of the incision. Some patients may experience bruising, swelling, or bleeding.

There is also a risk of infection, although this is relatively low. Patients will need to keep the incision site clean and dry and may need to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

How Much Does the Chest Implant Cost?

The cost of the chest implant varies depending on the patient’s insurance coverage and the medical facility where the procedure is performed. However, the cost is generally higher than the cost of a CPAP machine.

Patients who are interested in the chest implant should discuss the cost with their healthcare provider and their insurance company. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of the procedure, while others may require a copay or deductible.

Conclusion

The chest implant is a groundbreaking treatment option for sleep apnea that has been found to be incredibly effective in treating this condition.

While not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure, for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, the chest implant is an excellent option. Patients who are interested in the chest implant should discuss the procedure with their healthcare provider to determine if it is a good option for them.