The University of New Mexico Hospital has introduced a new treatment for sleep apnea, available as of this summer. Sleep apnea is a common condition where an individual's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The hospital now offers the Inspire device, an implantable system designed to alleviate symptoms associated with the disorder.
Noah Syme, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the UNM School of Medicine, performed the first two Inspire implantations at UNM Hospital. "I think that is part of the mission of UNM, to serve the whole community, regardless of what their financial status is. I am really happy that now we are able to do that," said Syme.
The Inspire device consists of three components: one part attaches to a nerve to stiffen the patient's tongue, another is placed in the chest wall to detect breathing patterns, and a pacemaker-like generator integrates these parts. "So, when you breathe in, the device stiffens your tongue to prevent your tongue from collapsing," explained Syme.
Sleep apnea can lead to significant health issues such as heart and lung disease or pulmonary hypertension over time. It also causes fatigue and reduces quality of life due to interrupted sleep patterns. "Sleep apnea is really bad for your general health, specifically your heart and lung health," Syme stated.
Individuals who suspect they have sleep apnea should consult their primary care provider about undergoing a formal sleep study. Those who qualify based on their study results may be candidates for the Inspire device. This treatment option is particularly suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines due to noise or discomfort from masks.
To implant an Inspire device, Dr. Syme makes two small incisions: one under the jawline and another on the right side of the chest for placing the generator. A wire connects from this generator to both the hypoglossal nerve and lungs.
"We test it while patients are asleep," noted Syme. "We make sure the tongue is stiffening as desired before completing surgery." This procedure allows patients to return home on the same day.
Inspire received FDA approval in 2014, with New Mexico's first private procedure occurring over two years ago. Bringing this treatment option to UNM Hospital aims to make it accessible statewide without requiring private insurance coverage.
Syme expressed enthusiasm about expanding this program after his initial successful procedures in June and anticipates performing approximately ten surgeries per month moving forward. "Sleep is so important... I am just really excited to get the program going," he added.
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