The WVU Medicine Otolaryngology Sleep team successfully completed its 100th Inspire® implant procedure. This milestone signifies the team’s dedication to providing effective treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Members of the WVU Medicine Otolaryngology Team celebrate the 100th case on May 9.
Inspire is a device that helps patients with OSA breathe more easily during sleep. The implanted device gently stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the tongue muscles, keeping the airway open and preventing sleep apnea episodes.
“We are thrilled to reach this 100th procedure milestone,” Hassan Ramadan, M.D., chair of the WVU Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, said. “The Inspire implant has been a game-changer for many of our patients who have struggled with CPAP therapy or other traditional treatments for OSA. This minimally invasive procedure allows them to experience a better night’s sleep and a significant improvement in their quality of life.”
OSA is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, interrupting breathing and causing oxygen deprivation. Symptoms of OSA can include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and morning headaches.
For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, Inspire offers a valuable alternative. The procedure is typically outpatient and minimally invasive, with patients experiencing a quick recovery and returning to normal activities within a short period.
“The success of our Inspire program is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our entire Otolaryngology Sleep team,” Dr. Ramadan said. “We are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatments available for sleep apnea.”
The WVU Medicine program started in 2017 with the first implant placement performed by Steven Coutras, M.D. Since that time, WVU Medicine otolaryngologists Chadi Makary, M.D., received the Inspire Physician Excellence Award, and Monika Freiser, M.D., started a satellite program at the Louis Johnson VA Hospital in Clarksburg, where she has performed several implants on West Virginian veterans.
For more information about sleep disorder treatments at WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org/Sleep or call 855-WVU-CARE.
