Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital is the first in Tucson to offer a new therapy for people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Inspire Therapy is an easy-to-use, mask-free solution for people with OSA who have tried and struggled with a CPAP.

An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from OSA, a common sleep disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. Health concerns for people with sleep apnea can include increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. 

“We are excited to have completed the first Inspire therapy procedure at St. Mary’s Hospital.” said A.J. Emami, MD, FACS, Otolaryngologist and OSA Surgeon practicing at St. Mary’s. “This new procedure represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events and has a high level of patient satisfaction and continued use.”

When people with OSA sleep, their tongue relaxes into a position that blocks their airway, causing them to wake up to take a breath and preventing them from getting quality sleep. The Inspire procedure consists of two small incisions - one in the upper chest where an implant and breathing sensors are placed. The second is under the chin where the nerve that controls airway muscles, including the tongue, is located. Gentle pulses are applied to the nerve when the therapy is turned on, keeping the airway open. The implant syncs with a patient’s natural breathing pattern while they sleep, helping them to breathe regularly and sleep better. No mask or hose is needed.

“This procedure has the ability to change lives for the better,” said Monica Vargas, Carondelet Health Network Market CEO. “Providing this technology is part of our mission to bring healing, good health and wellness to our community.”

References
1. ADHERE Registry: Data on File
2. Suurna MV, Steffen A, Boon M, et al. Impact of Body Mass Index and Discomfort on Upper Airway Stimulation: ADHERE Registry
2020 Update. Laryngoscope 2021; 131(11): 2616-2624
3. Woodson BT, Strohl KP, Soose RJ, et al. Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 5-Year Outcomes. Otolaryngology
Head Neck Surgery 2018; 159(1):194-202)