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Mrs. Sabrina Parker
(Inspire specialist)
Mrs. Sabrina Parker
(Inspire specialist)Contact me without obligation and free
of charge by phone.
(mo - fr: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.)Call now
+44 800 06 68 698
Or request a callbackInspire therapy enables patients to breathe regularly so they can sleep soundly
Since 2014 more than 100,000 patients worldwide including a growing number of British OSA sufferers in the last few years have pursued restful sleep with Inspire therapy.
This well studied and established therapy (over 350 publications) demonstrates significant AHI (Apnoea-Hypopnea Index) and quality of life im provements1-3.
Inspire therapy at a glance
Upper airway stimulation is a new, innovative technology and an alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea who cannot use CPAP ventilation or related procedures, or for whom this treatment is not sufficiently effective.
The Inspire system consists of three implantable components: a small implant, a breathing sensor and a stimulation electrode, which are controlled together via a small remote control.
Careful selection of patients, targeted stimulation of specific airway muscles and optimal timing of hypoglossal stimulation are key to keeping the airways open during sleep and achieving the best possible outcome for patients.
NHS specialised commissioning are reimbursing the system costs through their Specialised Services Device Program (SSDP) as access to the therapy continues to expand across the UK.
Evidence based recommendations from NICE can be found in IPG598 and NG202. UK experience and evidence generation is being encouraged to inform an updated UK specific treatment pathway.
Significant AHI reduction achieved and maintained over time and significant improvement in daytime sleepiness 1-3 with Inspire
The STAR Study (STAR: Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction) was conducted at 22 leading medical institutions in the United States and Europe.¹
The results show that patients with Inspire therapy had significantly fewer episodes of apnoea – they also experienced an improvement in quality of life. The rate of serious complications was less than two percent.¹
The right solution
The right patient
Inspire therapy is suitable for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (with an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of 15 to 65/h), who cannot use CPAP therapy or for whom it is not sufficiently effective. A complete-concentration collapse at the level of the soft palate must be ruled out beforehand. A sleep video endoscopy is required for this.
The right stimulation
The design of the Inspire stimulation electrode is such that it can be adapted to different anatomical courses of the hypoglossal nerve (XII). Fixing the stimulation electrode in the optimal position at the distal end of the hypoglossal nerve allows stable, continuous stimulation of specific muscles of the airway. This opens the lumen at the level of the base of the tongue and the soft palate.
The right time
Using a special algorithm, Inspire therapy continuously monitors the patient’s breathing rhythm and produces targeted stimulation during inspiration and late exhalation, when the airways are most vulnerable to collapse.
The Inspire therapy procedure
Taking place under general anaesthesia, the surgery lasts approximately two hours and some patients can be discharged the same day. After the procedure, patients may experience common post-operative symptoms such as mild pain and swelling in the areas of the incisions. However, a few days after the procedure patients are usually able to resume normal physical activities.
Approximately one month after implantation, a follow-up visit to the practice or outpatient clinic takes place to determine the individual stimulation settings and to train patients in the use of the remote control. After another four weeks of acclimatisation, the system is fine-tuned in the sleep lab.
Once activated, the only maintenance and preparation for sleep for the patient is using the Inspire remote to turn on the device before sleeping to start the stimulation.
Good reasons for Inspire therapy
- Less invasive than traditional surgical OSA procedures
- Natural anatomy of the airways is preserved
- Designed to keep the airways open at different levels during sleep
- Safe⁴ and effective⁵ treatment option with clinically proven reduction of sleep apnoea episodes and improvement of quality of life1-3
Patients with the current Inspire model 3028 can have full-body MRI scans performed provided specific guidelines are followed. To read these guidelines, visit the e-Manual portal.
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References
1 Strollo Jr, Patrick J., et al. Upper-airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea. New England Journal of Medicine 370.2 (2014): 139-149.
2 Woodson, B. Tucker, et al. Randomized controlled withdrawal study of upper airway stimulation on OSA: short-and long-term effect. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 151.5 (2014): 880-887.
3 Woodson, B. Tucker, et al. Three-year outcomes of cranial nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: the STAR trial. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 154.1 (2016): 181-188.
4 Moroco AE et al. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 20,9 (2024)
5 Woodson, B. Tucker, et al. "Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 5-Year Outcomes." Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2018): 0194599818762383.