Inspire Implant in West Palm Beach, FL

Inspire is a small, implantable device that works inside the body to keep the airway open during sleep. By offering a minimally invasive, long-term solution, Inspire is changing the way sleep apnea is treated.

Advanced Solution for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to a range of health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, as well as chronic fatigue and diminished quality of life. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not everyone finds it effective or comfortable. This is where the Inspire implant comes in—a groundbreaking alternative that provides relief to individuals with moderate to severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. Under the expert care of Dr. Anastasiya Quimby, a board-certified specialist in head and neck surgery, patients receive a personalized approach to their sleep apnea treatment.

What Is the Inspire Implant?

The Inspire implant is an FDA-approved, surgically implanted device that treats obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the muscles of the tongue and airway. Unlike CPAP machines, which deliver pressurized air through a mask, the Inspire device helps open the airway naturally by gently stimulating the muscles that keep the airway from collapsing, allowing for uninterrupted sleep without the need for masks, hoses, or external equipment.

The Inspire implant consists of the following three key components:

A small generator that is placed under the skin in the upper chest, similar to a pacemaker
A breathing sensor that is placed between the ribs to detect breathing patterns
A stimulation lead that delivers mild pulses to the hypoglossal nerve, activating the muscles that keep the airway open during sleep

How Inspire Works

Inspire is designed to address the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea—airway blockage. During sleep, the muscles in the throat and tongue relax, causing the airway to collapse and block airflow. The Inspire implant prevents this by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which causes the muscles to stiffen slightly and keep the airway open. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Breathing Detection

The sensor detects the patient’s breathing patterns throughout the night.

Step 2: Stimulation

When the patient inhales, the device sends mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve.

Step 3: Muscle Activation

The stimulation prompts the muscles in the throat to contract slightly, preventing airway collapse and allowing you to breathe normally during sleep.

The patient controls the Inspire implant using a small remote. Each night, before going to sleep, you turn on the device, which works throughout the night to maintain an open airway. In the morning, you simply turn it off.

Who Is a Candidate for the Inspire Implant?

Not all individuals with sleep apnea are ideal candidates for the Inspire implant. However, it is an excellent option if any of the following applies to you:

You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
You are unable to tolerate or comply with CPAP therapy.
You do not have complete blockage of the airway caused by conditions like severe obesity or a large tongue.
You are at least 18 years old and have tried other sleep apnea treatments without success.
You have a body mass index (BMI) of 32 or lower.

Before considering Inspire, Dr. Quimby will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a sleep study and an airway exam, to determine if the implant is suitable for you. Inspire is generally not recommended for patients with central sleep apnea or those with complex medical conditions affecting their ability to undergo surgery.

Benefits of the Inspire Implant

No masks, hoses, or external devices to manage during sleep, allowing you to sleep comfortably in any position without extra noise
Designed to work in sync with your natural breathing patterns so you can enjoy a restful, uninterrupted, restorative sleep
Located completely inside the body—no need to worry about traveling with equipment or maintaining external devices
Easy control and convenience with a handheld remote
Long-term solution that can function effectively for years with minimal maintenance
Clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea, improve oxygen levels, and reduce the frequency of apneic events
Improved energy levels, mood, and overall quality of life

What to Expect During the Procedure

The Inspire implant procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed outpatient. It is done under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours to complete. During the procedure, Dr. Quimby will make a small incision under the chin to place the stimulation lead connected to the hypoglossal nerve. She will then make another incision in the chest to place the small generator, similar to a pacemaker, just beneath the skin. The breathing sensor is then inserted between the ribs through a small incision.

Once implanted, the device is not activated right away. You will return home the same day, and after a few weeks of recovery, the Inspire implant will be activated during a follow-up appointment. The device settings will be fine-tuned at that time to ensure the best results. Over time, patients may need additional adjustments to optimize the device’s performance, but routine maintenance is minimal. The generator battery typically lasts about ten years before it needs to be replaced.

Why Choose Dr. Quimby?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with specialized fellowship training in head and neck surgery. Her multidisciplinary expertise in dental, medical, ENT, oncology, and plastic surgery allows her to focus on function and aesthetics, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for improved quality of life. Dr. Quimby's holistic approach allows her to manage a wide range of issues, from airway obstruction to jaw alignment, providing innovative solutions beyond traditional treatments.

Regain Restful Sleep With AQ Surgery

If you’ve struggled with CPAP therapy or other sleep apnea treatments, the Inspire implant may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At AQ Surgery, Dr. Quimby and her team are committed to offering the most advanced and effective treatments for sleep apnea. With Inspire, you can regain control of your sleep and improve your overall health and well-being. Contact AQ Surgery today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our sleep apnea treatment in West Palm Beach.