Lecture Notes: Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation Device

Speaker: Adam Hurd

Introduction

• Adam had the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation device implanted for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Surgery stimulates the hypoglossal nerve which controls the tongue.

Experience Sharing

• Timeline:
  • Device activated ~5 months ago.
  • Surgery performed ~6 months ago.
• **Initial Challenges:
  • Infection at incision site led to late activation.
  • Adjusting remote levels: ranged from too strong to uncomfortable but never painful
  • Coordinated adjustments made by Inspire representative and doctor's office.

Progress and Adjustments

• Reached the seventh hash mark on remote per doctor's initial requirement.
• Detected issues:
  • Actual usage: only 1.5 - 2 hours per night despite turning on device at bedtime.
  • Device restarts and delays upon waking disrupted continuous usage.
• **Resolution:
  • Doctor prescribed sleep medication to stay asleep longer.
  • Achieved goal of >4 hours nightly usage.
• Sleep Study:
  • Conducted a week prior.
  • Found optimal setting at 2 MHz (2 levels below prior recommendation).
  • Remote settings adjusted: third hash mark now equals previous seventh.

Follow-Up

• Doctor’s advice: optimal setting confirmed, advised side-sleeping.
• Medication and device combined improved sleep quality.
• Adam recommends the Inspire device for those who struggle with CPAP.

Final Remarks

• Tracks progress in multiple previous videos.
• Offers to help others considering CPAP alternatives in the comment section.

Speaker: Dr. Fred Lynn (Surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital)

Overview of Inspire Therapy

• Alternative for patients with significant sleep apnea who don’t tolerate CPAP.
• Surgery Overview:
  • Incisions: Three incisions at neck (find tongue nerve), right upper chest (implant placement), lower rib (breathing sensor).
  • Connected mechanism that activates during sleep.
• Post-Surgery:
  • Same-day discharge.
  • Quick return to normal activities and work.

Patient Outcomes

• Improved sleep quality.
• Significant reduction or elimination of snoring.
• Enhanced daytime energy levels.
• Positive feedback from patients and their bed partners.