Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy for Moderate to Severe Apnea
For those with exhausted all apnea treatment options to no avail, don’t give up hope! Novel upper airway stimulation therapy can now bring relief by mimicking normal breathing patterns to keep your airway open at night.
This implantable system activates important muscles of the throat, which restores sound rest during sleep. Studies demonstrate marked improvements in apnea even in difficult cases of moderate to severe cases.
Learn how this groundbreaking treatment works, including candidacy requirements. Finally, breathe easy once again with upper airway stimulation.
How Inspire UAS Normalizes Your Breathing
The Inspire device consists of three implantable components that work together:
- A nerve stimulator surgically embedded in the chest wall.
- A stimulation lead is threaded under the skin to the neck and throat.
- A breathing sensor lead positioned between the intercostal muscles.
During sleep, it tracks breathing patterns. If it finds that the apnea or obstruction is occurring, the sensor activates the stimulator to provide gentle stimulation on the hypoglossal nerve. The hypoglossal nerve manages the tongue muscles that can keep the whole airway open.
By stimulating muscle contraction at just the right moments, the Inspire system restores regular breathing cycles automatically. The process prevents obstruction or arousal all night long for improved sleep quality.
Who is a Candidate for Upper Airway Stimulation?
Because implantation is surgery, UAS is currently only FDA-approved for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who meet these candidacy criteria:
- Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of at least 15 despite therapy attempts.
- Unable or non-compliant with standard PAP therapy, but motivated for other treatments.
- Body mass index under 32.
- No major comorbidities or issues requiring MRI/diathermy.
- Non-obstructed or easily surgically correctable obstructions.
- Overall good health to undergo anesthesia and healing.
The right candidate has exhausted most therapies yet remains motivated for better sleep through advanced options like upper airway stimulation. Our team helps assess if you meet the criteria.
The Benefits of Restored Healthy Breathing Patterns
Patients undergoing UAS therapy enjoy renewed sleep quality, oxygen levels, and next-day function:
- Average apnea reduction of 68% based on studies.
- Decreased sleepiness, improved cognition, and better quality of life.
- Resolution of headaches, mood disorders, and cognitive dysfunction from sleep deprivation.
- Lowered cardiovascular risks and normalized blood pressure levels.
- Reduced need for medications or other apnea devices.
By mimicking natural breathing rather than forcing air mechanically, upper airway stimulation brings harmonized, restorative sleep. Consider this breakthrough option if standard therapies fail to adequately treat your moderate to severe disorder.
