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CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
#1
CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
Just wanted to make sure everyone was aware that there is a new therapy out there to treat sleep apnea patients

* Inspire Therapy was approved April 30th by FDA and is now commercially available to patients in US
* Designed for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients who can't tolerate or are non-compliant with their CPAP
* Outpatient surgery, less-invasive involves implantable device + sensing lead + stimulation lead
* Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) Therapy...stimulates hypoglossal nerve which keeps airway open during sleep.
* STAR trial showed a 68% reduction in AHI and 70% reduction in ODI

* Published in New England Journal of Medicine in Jan '14
* FDA Panel approved Feb '14
* FDA commercially approved Apr '14

More information is available by Inspire Medical Systems on their websites or calling 844-680-5629 to get more information and availability in your area.



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#2
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
I'm glad to see this product has made it this far. I remember hearing about it, and I hope it becomes a viable alternative to other forms of treatment.


Moderator Note: I moved this thread from the Main Forum here to the Commercial Forum where it belongs. If anyone wants to discuss the effectiveness of this or any other therapy for SDB feel free to do it here or to start a new thread in the main forum.
Sleepster

INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#3
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
Well, even with a 68% improvement, it would only lower my AHI to around 25 - so while it may be a possible solution for many, it isn't for those of us rated severe and worse.
*I* am not a DOCTOR or any type of Health Care Professional.  My thoughts/suggestions/ideas are strictly only my opinions.

"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you. Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your Soul, the other for your Freedom."
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#4
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
The FDA has been approving a lot of "voodoo medicine" as of late for reasons that I will never understand. All I can say, without further detailed information, is CAVEAT EMPTOR.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Educate, Advocate, Contemplate.
Herein lies personal opinion, no professional advice, which ALL are well advised to seek.



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#5
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
even with a reduction, a person would still have to use a machine because this procedure doesn't cure OSA. Personally, I will stick with my machine.
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#6
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
I took at a look at the web site and this appears to be able to work with only a very small group of sufferers. One of the first things I noticed was that it is restricted to a BMI of less than 32. So much for those who are overweight.

In their FAQ the battery is listed as good for 8-11 years, and is not rechargeable. To replace it requires another outpatient surgery. My wife has a spinal chord stimulator (SNS) with a 10 year rechargeable battery that failed after 9 months requiring an additional outpatient surgery to put it in.

They do make the point of not being able to have an MRI with this. I have seen the results of a SNS that went through an MRI and it was not pretty. Supposedly, there are some pacemakers out there that are MRI safe. Also, I wonder how this would work if someone had it installed and found later they needed a pacemaker or other stimulation device.

Granted, this is a first step, but it appears to be designed for a very small population. Hopefully it will open the doors to new methods of treatment.

Homer
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#7
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
A last thing to consider before you opt for this therapy?

Are you in a safety sensitive occupation subject to fitness for duty physical requirements such as a commercial motor vehicle operator, pilot, or master mariner?

If yes.,.... use Inspire and you will lose your job.

For CMV operators this therapy isn't approved for keeping your DOT medical card. I'm not sure about FAA flight physicals or USCG but doubt they would approve you on it either.
(Just a truck driver with sleep apnea )
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#8
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
Truckerdad57,

Still a lot of gray areas for the FAA. They mention surgery as a viable option, but do not mention the use of a stimulator which is what this really is. There is a lot of documentation required for sleep apnea and proving it is under effective treatment including doing a series of monitored wakefulness tests.

If some one is an active flyer (maintaining a medical certificate) then the best route would be is to have a talk with an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) as part of the process.

Homer
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#9
RE: CAN'T TOLERATE CPAP...NEW DEVICE TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA
Glad to know about the this therapy. Thank you for sharing.
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