CarolinaEast Health System Completes 50th Inspire® Implant Procedure

The Ear, Nose and Throat team at CarolinaEast Health System announced they are now offering Inspire® therapy and have completed their 50th implant. Inspire® therapy is a long-term, mask-free solution for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have tried and struggled with CPAP.

When people with OSA sleep, their tongue relaxes into a position that blocks their airway, causing them to wake up to take a breath. If left untreated, the lack of quality sleep adds up and can lead to serious health risks and harm overall quality of life. Inspire therapy syncs with the natural breathing pattern and works comfortably inside the body to keep the airway open while asleep, enabling regulated breathing and better sleep.

CarolinaEast Physicians’ Drs. Derek Mitchell, Greg McNabb and David Wilson are pleased to offer Inspire therapy as a proven, safe and effective solution.

“We are excited to stay on the cutting edge of technology for our patients in coastal NC,” stated Dr. McNabb, Otolaryngologist. “The new Inspire therapy is one more tool to help those who suffer from sleep apnea get the rest they need.”

Dr. Mitchell, Otolaryngologist, who completed the 50th procedure milestone, agrees with Dr. McNabb’s comments, adding: “With the growing research on health complications related to insufficient quality sleep, we are pleased to bring this life-changing therapy to our patients.”

The procedure consists of two small incisions. One in the upper chest where the Inspire implant and breathing sensors are placed. The second is under the chin, where the nerve that controls the airway muscles, including the tongue, is located.

Inspire therapy delivers gentle pulses to move the tongue forward and keep the airway open. When the airway is open, patients are able to breathe regularly and sleep better, no mask or hose needed. Patients simply use the small handheld Inspire remote to turn their therapy on when they are ready to sleep.

To learn more about Inspire therapy and the Ear, Nose and Throat program at CarolinaEast, visit www.carolinaeasthealth.com.