The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona is staffed by sleep specialists who concentrate in sleep medicine. We set the standard in sleep medicine in Arizona, offering the most effective suite of options to help you achieve the best sleep possible. If you struggle with sleep disruption and CPAP therapy has not been effective for you, you might be a good candidate for the Inspire implant. Dr. Ruchir P. Patel is an expert on this alternative to CPAP therapy and routinely provides presentations and talks globally on how this technology works.
At The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, we offer unprecedented staffing levels for patients so you can enjoy access to numerous sleep specialists, a clinical psychologist who focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, nurse practitioners trained in sleep medicine, teams of respiratory therapists, and a physician assistant with a Masters in Sleep Medicine. As an outcome-driven clinic, we start with a correct diagnosis. Only after getting the right diagnosis can proper treatment begin. Many with sleep apnea find success with traditional CPAP therapy, but when that fails the Inspire implant might be an option.
What is the Inspire Implant?
The Inspire implant is an FDA-approved implant that requires a relatively minimally invasive procedure to place. It provides upper airway stimulation (operating a bit like a pacemaker, but requiring a much less aggressive surgery to implant). There are only three parts to the Inspire implant including a pressure-sending lead that can pinpoint your breathing, a neuro-stimulator implanted in the chest pocket that is programmable, and a stimulator lead that sends a light stimulation to a nerve in the tongue.
The Insomnia and Sleep Institute can “prescribe” the Inspire implant, which is surgically placed in the chest pocket at an outside location. However, it is initially programmed at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute where Dr. Ruchir P. Patel oversees this process. Once the implant has been placed and programmed, it is controlled by the patient via a small handheld remote. Using the Inspire implant is easy. You simply turn it on with the remote before going to bed and the Inspire implant stimulates muscles in the throat while you sleep.
Implanting the Inspire Implant
General anesthesia at a third-party surgical center or hospital is required to place the Inspire implant in the chest. Next, three tiny incisions are made. These incisions are below the chin, collar bone, and the side of the chest (right under the ribs). Dr. Ruchir P. Patel will not activate the Inspire implant immediately after the surgery, but rather it takes about one month before the activation can occur. This is due to the necessary post-placement sleep study to make sure that stimulation will happen properly.
It is extremely rare for a serious implant complication to occur. In fact, these types of complications happen in less than one percent of patients. However, more common side effects like feeling a tingle or bruise on the tongue may occur. They are typically mild, temporary, and resolve in just a few weeks.
Why Get the Inspire Implant
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common sleep issue. It requires a diagnosis, and you are also required to try CPAP therapy before considering the Inspire implant. CPAP works quite well for the vast majority of patients and does not require any type of surgery or invasive procedure. Most of the time, when a patient is not happy with CPAP therapy it is because of a poor-fitting mask or other easily addressed issues. However, sometimes CPAP just isn’t the right fit for some patients or is not providing the treatment necessary to alleviate the symptoms of OSA. That’s when the Inspire implant may help.
If you have been diagnosed with OSA and CPAP therapy isn’t working or if you suspect you might have sleep apnea and are ready to reclaim your sleep, The Insomnia and Sleep Institute can help. Not every sleep center offers the Inspire implant and you deserve to have every option available from your sleep specialists. Get in touch today by calling the office or filling out the online form to schedule your consultation (including virtual options) today.
