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Inspire Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Inspire Sleep Apnea Treatment at University Hospitals

An Innovative Treatment Option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

University Hospitals is the first in Northeast Ohio to offer Inspire therapy, an innovative new treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent health issue that affects more than 18 million Americans. When left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to an overall diminished quality of life that includes morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and depression. Obstructive sleep apnea may also lead to significant comorbidities such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Common Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and anatomy-altering surgery. While CPAP is the most common form of sleep apnea treatment, studies show 39 to 50 percent of OSA patients are unable to use or adhere to the treatment; a small subset of these patients seeks surgical treatment.

Conventional sleep apnea surgery works to make the airway larger by removing or altering facial and airway anatomy. These anatomy-altering surgeries can be effective but often involve long and painful recovery times.

Inspire Therapy Offers Alternative to CPAP

Now there is a new clinically proven treatment, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to use CPAP.

Inspire therapy is a fully implanted system that delivers mild stimulation to maintain open airways during sleep. The Inspire system consists of three fully implanted components including a small generator, breathing sensor lead, and stimulation lead, all controlled with the small handheld remote.

UH Ear, Nose & Throat Institute, in conjunction with the Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, is now certified to offer Inspire therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Our doctors and staff are equipped to counsel patients and help determine if they would be good candidates for this treatment option.

Advantages of Inspire Therapy

  • Clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events and improve quality of life and daytime functioning
  • Fully implanted; does not require a mask or oral appliance
  • Designed to work with your body's natural anatomy and breathing processes
  • Simple and easy to use
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