Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This occurs when the airway becomes blocked, causing the person to momentarily stop breathing.

These interruptions can last for seconds to minutes and can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. This results in a lack of oxygen in the body, leading to a range of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

A common form of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

There are several treatments available for sleep apnea. The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth that delivers air pressure to keep the airway open.

While CPAP therapy is effective, many people find it uncomfortable and have difficulty sleeping while wearing the mask. Other treatments for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue from the throat or to reposition the jaw.

The New Solution: Small Implant to Combat Sleep Apnea

A new solution to combat sleep apnea has emerged in recent years: a small implant that helps keep the airway open during sleep. The implant, known as Inspire therapy, is a small device that is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest.

It works by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles in the back of the throat, causing them to contract and keep the airway open.

How Does Inspire Therapy Work?

Inspire therapy involves three main components:.

The pulse generator – a small device that is implanted under the skin of the chest
The sensing lead – a small wire that is implanted near the ribcage to detect breathing patterns
The stimulation lead – a small wire that is implanted near the nerves that control the muscles in the back of the throat

During sleep, the sensing lead detects breathing patterns and sends a signal to the pulse generator. The pulse generator then sends a signal to the stimulation lead, which stimulates the nerves that control the muscles in the back of the throat.

This causes the muscles to contract, keeping the airway open and allowing for normal breathing.

Who is a Candidate for Inspire Therapy?

Inspire therapy is typically recommended for people who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. It is also recommended for people who have tried other treatments for sleep apnea without success.

Candidates for Inspire therapy must also meet the following criteria:.

Be over the age of 22
Not be significantly overweight
Not have a pacemaker or other implantable device
Not have an anatomical abnormality that would prevent the implantation of the device

What are the Benefits of Inspire Therapy?

The benefits of Inspire therapy include:.

Reduced risk of serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
Improved quality of life through better sleep
Elimination of the need for CPAP therapy
Long-term effectiveness

What are the Risks of Inspire Therapy?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with Inspire therapy. These include:.

Infection at the site of the implantation
Device malfunction or failure
Discomfort or pain at the site of the implantation
Unintended muscle stimulation
Damage to surrounding structures during the implantation procedure

While the risks are generally low, it is important to discuss them with your doctor before deciding whether Inspire therapy is right for you.

Conclusion

While CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, it is not always effective for everyone. Inspire therapy offers a new solution for people who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or who have tried other treatments without success.

While there are risks associated with the implantation of the device, the benefits can be life-changing for those who suffer from sleep apnea. If you are interested in learning more about Inspire therapy, talk to your doctor to see if this treatment option is right for you.