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Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center introduces innovative Inspire therapy for sleep apnea

Published Date

Patients struggling with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate traditional CPAP therapy now have a sophisticated new treatment option close to home. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is now offering treatment with Inspire implant, a leading-edge treatment designed to help patients breathe naturally during sleep without the need for masks or hoses. 

Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, repeatedly interrupting breathing and lowering blood oxygen levels. While many patients are prescribed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, a significant number find it difficult to use consistently. Inspire Therapy offers a clinically proven alternative for patients who have not found success with traditional methods. 

The Inspire system treats the root cause of sleep apnea from inside the body. The device, which is the size of a standard pacemaker, is implanted during an outpatient surgical procedure. It functions by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open naturally. Patients simply turn the device on before bedtime using a small, handheld remote. 

“This therapy can be life-changing for patients who have struggled for years with sleep apnea and cannot use CPAP for any reason,” said Yuro Berkovic, MD, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery specialist at Providence Saint Joseph. “By maintaining an open airway during sleep, Inspire can significantly improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall long-term health.” 

Unlike traditional treatments that rely on external machinery, Inspire works comfortably inside the body. For those who travel, the system replaces bulky CPAP machines with a remote no larger than a computer mouse. Clinical studies have shown that patients using Inspire experience a significant reduction in sleep apnea events and a substantial improvement in daily quality of life. 

Candidates for Inspire therapy generally include adults who: 

  • Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Are unable to tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy.
  • Are not significantly overweight.
  • Meet specific anatomical criteria determined during a medical evaluation. 

Patients interested in learning if Inspire therapy is right for them can schedule a consultation at the Providence Saint Joseph Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, located within the Howard and Hycy Hill Neuroscience Institute on the first floor. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 818-847-6734.