husband and wife getting ready for bed with inspire sleep apnea device in hand

Inspire® Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Richmond, VA

Virginia Ear Nose and Throat is excited to offer Inspire®, an FDA-approved technology to treat sleep apnea. This revolutionary technology utilizes an implanted device to treat the source of sleep apnea and improve overall sleep quality. Inspire® sleep apnea treatment is a great option for patients who have not found success with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other treatment techniques. The implantation procedure is quick and can be performed by Dr. Milien in an outpatient setting.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This obstruction causes breathing to be temporarily disrupted, leading to brief pauses in breathing, called apneas. These apneas can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night.

The obstruction in the upper airway during sleep is usually caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat, tongue and soft palate. When these muscles relax excessively, they can collapse and block the airflow, leading to the cessation of breathing. The reduction in oxygen levels and the build-up of carbon dioxide trigger the brain to briefly wake up from sleep to resume normal breathing. These awakenings are often very brief and may not be fully remembered by the individual, but they disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary based on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include:

Snoring is a hallmark symptom of OSA, often being loud and persistent.

Individuals with OSA may experience choking or gasping episodes during sleep as they resume breathing after an apnea.

Frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

OSA sufferers may wake up with headaches due to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels during sleep.

Sleep deprivation from OSA can lead to mood swings, irritability and increased stress.

Left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious health problems, including high blood pressure, increased risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and more.

What is Inspire® Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Inspire® sleep apnea treatment is a medical therapy designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals who have not found relief from other treatments or are not suitable candidates for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is an innovative approach that involves the use of an implanted device to help maintain an open airway during sleep. Once implanted, patients simply turn the device on using a handheld remote. The device will then open the airways and facilitate breathing during sleep.

What to Expect During the Inspire® Procedure

The Inspire® sleep apnea treatment process is simple yet effective. Patients can expect the following steps:

The treatment starts with a surgical procedure to implant the device under the skin in the upper chest area. This procedure can be performed same-day in an outpatient setting by our Virginia ENT physician, Dr. Milien. A small incision is made to place the device’s components, which include a small generator and a sensing lead. Another small incision is made to position a stimulation lead near the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of the tongue.

Following the implantation, the patient is typically given a remote control. This allows them to turn the device on before going to bed and turn it off when waking up. The device is programmed to monitor the patient’s breathing patterns and activate the stimulation during sleep when needed.

During sleep, when the device senses the patient’s breathing is becoming obstructed, it delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. This stimulation causes the tongue muscles to contract, helping to keep the airway open and allowing for normal breathing.

By stimulating the hypoglossal nerve and keeping the airway open, this therapy reduces or eliminates the occurrence of sleep apnea events, such as pauses in breathing or snoring.

The level of stimulation can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs, ensuring optimal effectiveness and comfort. Dr. Milien will continue to monitor the treatment progress and make adjustments as needed based on the patient’s individual needs.

Benefits of Inspire® Sleep Apnea Treatment

This revolutionary technology offers many advantages over CPAP therapy and other traditional treatment methods. Benefits include:

Many patients find CPAP machines to be uncomfortable and invasive. In contrast, this treatment option does not require any external equipment, resulting in more comfort for the patient.

Because patients are responsible for wearing and using their CPAP machine as directed every night for best results, there is a higher risk of non-compliance. Because Inspire® is implanted under the skin, patients simply need to turn the device on before sleep in order to comply with treatment recommendations.

CPAP machines require a power source, which can be a challenge when traveling or during power outages. In contrast, this therapy does not need external power sources, as the device is implanted and activated with a remote control.

The mask and tubes of CPAP machines can often limit patients’ movement during sleep. Because this device is implanted, patients have no restrictions on their movement.

Who is a Good Candidate for Inspire® Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Inspire® sleep apnea treatment is typically considered for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not achieved satisfactory results with other treatments like CPAP or oral appliances. During your appointment at Virginia ENT, Dr. Milien can discuss your medical history and symptoms and perform a clinical exam to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.

See How Inspire® Can Transform Your Sleep

If you are looking for a long-term solution to sleep apnea, look no further. Get in touch with an Inspire® advisor to learn if you qualify for the procedure. We look forward to helping you take control of your sleep health!