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Laurence O’Halloran MD
Timothy Egan MD
Sarah Blank MD

Inspire ™ Sleep Apnea Therapy

Dr Egan is the only surgeon in Fairfax County who is trained to implant the Inspire device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire therapy is a breakthrough implantable treatment option for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). While you’re sleeping, Inspire monitors every breath you take. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve which controls the movement of your tongue and other key airway muscles. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.
The Inspire obstructive sleep apnea device is controlled by a small handheld remote. The remote allows you to turn Inspire therapy on before bed and off when you wake up.

Inspire Sleep Therapy

Inspire therapy is a clinically proven sleep apnea treatment option
The STAR Clinical Trial, involving 126 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients across the United States and Europe, began in 2010 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Inspire therapy. One-year STAR Trial results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, in January 2014, and Inspire therapy received approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April of that year.
One-year STAR Trial outcomes showed that sleep apnea patients receiving Inspire therapy experienced significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in both quality of life and daytime functioning as measured by various questionnaires. There also was a high safety profile, with an overall rate of serious adverse events of <2%.
Recently, five-year study outcomes were published, showing the improvements observed at one-year were sustained at the five-year follow-up mark. Some notable outcomes include:
79% reduction on sleep apnea events.

Significant improvements in quality of life and daytime functioning.

90% of bed partners reported soft or no snoring. 

91% Patient satisfaction rating 

Is inspire therapy right for you?
You may be a candidate for Inspire if:
You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea( AHI 15-65).
You are not able to get use or get consistent benefit from CPAP.
You are not significantly overweight( BMW less 32).

 

Frequently Asked Questions:
How Does Inspire therapy work?
Inspire therapy works inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. It continuously monitors your breathing patterns while you sleep. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, which keeps the airway open while you sleep.
Is Inspire therapy covered by insurance?
Inspire therapy is FDA approved and proven to be an effective sleep apnea treatment. Currently, the therapy is being reviewed and approved by insurance companies on a patient-by-patient basis. Dr. Egan’s office will work on your behalf to gain payment approval. This approach has been successful in helping patients gain insurance approval.
Will Inspire therapy help with snoring?
Yes, data from the Inspire clinical trial showed that 90% of bed partners reported either no snoring or soft snoring by their partners using Inspire therapy.
What does the stimulation feel like?
Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles. When the device is turned on at night there is a programmable delay that allows you to fall asleep before stimulation begins. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable and the level is adjustable. Dr. Egan will make any adjustments as needed.
How long will the battery last?
Most batteries last for 8 to 11 years. When the batteries run out the generator portion of the device is replaced during a brief procedure.
What does the surgical procedure involve?
Dr. Egan typically implants the device as an outpatient under general anesthesia. The device is placed through three incisions in the neck and chest. Recovery time after surgery will vary from patient to patient, but you can expect some pain and swelling at the small incision sites for a few days after the implant
Within a few days following the procedure, you should be able to return to normal non-strenuous activities. Dr. Egan recommends that you avoid strenuous activities for two weeks after surgery.