If you struggle with sleep apnea, you may have more options than you think. The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona is physician-owned and staffed by sleep specialists who focus on sleep medicine. Our clinic has been recognized as the “Face of Sleep Medicine” in the Phoenix area and it is the place where you will find the “Top Doc” for the past five years (as voted by his colleagues and peers). At The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, outcomes drive the process and a correct diagnosis is always sought out before the best treatment plan can be implemented, and today that may include one of two implants for sleep apnea.

The Inspire OSA implant is designed for obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Ruchir P. Patel is the exclusive sleep specialist in the area who consults with the makers of this implant, Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Prior to determining if you’re a good candidate for the Inspire OSA implant, you must be diagnosed with OSA and have undergone CPAP therapy as your primary treatment. Those who did not respond to CPAP or could not tolerate it might qualify for an Inspire implant. It is important to note that you cannot opt out of using CPAP entirely before trying the implant. CPAP therapy must be tried and deemed ineffective or intolerable first. If this is the case, you will be referred to an ENT surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the Inspire implant—knowing your airway anatomy is key to this decision.

The Inspire OSA Implant

Once the device is implanted, you will work with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute to manage it. This also includes the initial activation of the implant along with any future needs that may arise. The ENT is the person who actually performs the implantation, but the sleep specialists are the managers and in charge of caring for the Inspire implant.

Many patients enjoy great success using the Inspire implant to reduce obstructive sleep apnea events. It has a high satisfaction rating and a solid history of therapy adherence. If you have OSA, you likely already know that it is a serious condition that often results in low life quality and is associated with a number of co-morbidities. On average, the Inspire implant is known to effectively treat about 75 percent of patients who have moderate or severe OSA, but CPAP therapy remains the gold standard. The Inspire implant is FDA approved specifically to treat OSA as an interior device.

The remedē System CSA Implant

The other primary type of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea (CSA), may be treated with the CSA implant from remedē System. Like the OSA implant, patients must have first tried CPAP therapy and found it ineffective, intolerable, or both. Those with CSA report grogginess during the day, and moderate or severe CSA can dramatically and negatively affect your life. CSA causes low oxygen levels, which has also been linked to high blood pressure and cardiac arrest. The common symptoms of CSA include not breathing for brief periods while asleep and/or experiencing shortness of breath.

Qualifying for a CSA implant is similar to qualifying for an OSA implant. It all begins with a correct diagnosis and trying CPAP therapy first. However, it is a cardiac electrophysiologist who implants the device, not an ENT surgeon. We will refer you to the best specialist for this part of the process. Once the implant is in place, we will monitor and manage it.

Is an Implant Right for You?

When you opt for any permanent device implanted in your body, there are considerations. For example, you will not be able to undergo some heat therapies or MRI studies. However, you can use the remedē System implant with other stimulation devices like a pacemaker.

No matter what type of sleep apnea you have, both can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not properly treated. CSA is especially connected to heart health, so it is critical for you to find the best sleep apnea treatment for you. Those with a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure have increased odds of having CSA.

If you would like to know more about implants for sleep apnea, contact The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona today. You can complete the online form to get started.