Sleep apnea is a condition in which there are pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. This can cause a myriad of negative side effects including constant fatigue, depression, headaches, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Thankfully, a new implant for sleep apnea has been developed, which provides a promising solution for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
The new implant, called the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation system, is inserted surgically under the skin of the neck. Small wires run from the device to the patient's lung to monitor their breathing. When the device senses that the patient is not breathing properly, it sends mild electrical impulses to key muscles in the throat to stimulate them and ensure proper breathing.
This implant is a gamechanger for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common form of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close completely. This restricts the amount of air that can reach the lungs, leading to the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea.
Traditional treatments for sleep apnea, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, require patients to wear a mask while they sleep. While effective, these machines can be loud and uncomfortable, leading many people to forgo treatment. The Inspire implant offers a much more discreet and comfortable solution.
The clinical trials for the device have been remarkably successful. In one study, 94% of patients reported significant reductions in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which is the measurement of sleep apnea severity. Additionally, all patients reported improvements in sleep quality and general quality of life.
The Inspire implant is not appropriate for everyone with sleep apnea. It is only recommended for patients who have already tried other treatments, such as CPAP machines or lifestyle changes, and have not found relief. Additionally, patients should have a body mass index (BMI) of 32 or less, as higher BMIs are associated with an increased risk of complications.
Despite its limitations, the Inspire implant offers genuine hope for those with severe sleep apnea who have not found relief with other treatments. The procedure is relatively simple, with patients usually able to leave the hospital the day following the surgery. The device is controlled by a remote that the patient activates before bed.
The Inspire implant represents a major advance in sleep apnea treatment. By providing a more comfortable and discreet solution than other treatments, it has the potential to improve countless lives. If you or someone you know suffers from severe sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about whether the Inspire implant might be right for you.