STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital is proud to announce the availability of the newest generation of Inspire therapy, Inspire V, a groundbreaking implantable device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This innovative therapy offers patients a safe and effective alternative to traditional CPAP machines, especially for those who struggle with CPAP intolerance or failure.
Dr. Michael Thielman, MD, Otolaryngologist at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, is among the first physicians in the region to offer this advanced procedure.
“The Inspire Device represents a major advancement in how we treat sleep apnea. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, this therapy provides a safe, effective, and life-changing alternative. With the newest Inspire V system, we can offer a simpler, more efficient procedure and improved outcomes. We’re excited to bring this option to our community and improve the quality of life for so many individuals,” he shared.
Inspire therapy has been available for more than 10 years, transforming the lives of thousands of patients nationwide. Recent changes in insurance coverage, including expanded approval by both private insurers and Medicare, have made Inspire therapy accessible to a broader population of patients who meet clinical criteria.
The latest generation, Inspire V, introduces significant improvements:
- Simplified design: Eliminates the need for a sensing lead in the intercostal muscles.
- Advanced technology: Incorporates an accelerometer within the neurostimulator battery to detect breathing directly from the chest wall.
- Streamlined procedure: Makes implantation faster, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients.
Inspire therapy is an implantable neurostimulation system, similar in concept to a pacemaker for the heart, but designed to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The device works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the hypoglossal nerve, the nerve that controls tongue movement, causing the tongue and associated airway muscles to move forward and stiffen. This keeps the airway open during sleep, reducing apnea events and improving sleep quality.
The Inspire system is implanted under the skin through two small incisions, one in the neck and one in the chest. It consists of three components:
- A stimulation cuff lead placed around the hypoglossal nerve
- A generator that houses the sensing mechanism which detects respiratory effort
- An external remote which patients use to manage their therapy
Clinical studies have demonstrated a 90% overall patient satisfaction rate with Inspire therapy.
Inspire therapy is approved for adults 18 years or older who meet specific criteria, including:
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15–100)
- Less than 25% central or mixed sleep apnea
- CPAP failure or intolerance
- Appropriate airway anatomy
Currently, the Inspire procedure is available at only two Aspirus locations: Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and Aspirus Wausau Hospital. This makes central Wisconsin one of the few regions in the state offering this advanced solution.
For more information about Aspirus Health and Inspire therapy, visit aspirus.org.