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Implantable Devices for Sleep Apnea

Why might I need an implant for my sleep apnea?

If non-invasive therapies like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) aren't working for your central or obstructive sleep apnea, St. Luke's offers nerve stimulation therapy through surgical implants Remede® and Inspire that may help.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a condition in which you stop breathing during the night because the signals from your brain that regulate your breathing are irregular or intermittent. CSA is a serious condition sometimes caused by other medical problems, such as a heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or stroke. It can affect your quality of sleep and cause chronic issues like fatigue, headaches, memory lapses, moodiness, and even have impacts on your heart health.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused when muscles in your mouth and throat relax during sleep, temporarily blocking your breathing. OSA is often marked by snoring and can cause headaches, depression, memory lapses, and excessive drowsiness during the day.

Remede for Central Sleep Apnea

Remede is an implantable system that sends regular signals to your diaphragm to help regulate your breathing, and can help patients who have moderate to severe CSA when other treatments aren't successful. Our team of pulmonary, electrophysiology, and congestive heart failure specialists will work with you to see if Remede is the right choice.

Inspire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Inspire implant works like a pacemaker for sleep apnea, relieving OSA by sending electrical pulses that clear your airway during sleep. If you've tried CPAP without success, Inspire may offer some relief.

Next Steps

If you think one of these implantable devices might be right for you, please ask your sleep medicine provider for more information. If you're an appropriate candidate, he or she will refer you to the appropriate specialists for further evaluation.

Specialties

  • Sleep Medicine

    Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat

    Head, neck, and throat surgery as well as care for hearing, balance, allergy, and sinus problems.
  • Electrophysiology

    Advanced treatment of arrhythmias, including A-fib management, ablation procedures, and device implantation and monitoring.