A transformative advancement in patient care is quietly taking shape at Providence St. Jude. The launch of Inspire therapy marks a significant milestone for countless individuals who struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offering hope and relief to those who endure restless nights and exhausting days.
Traditional treatments, like CPAP machines, often come with their own set of challenges — uncomfortable masks, cumbersome hoses and the constant hum of machinery. For some, these treatments are a nightly reminder of their condition, making restful sleep seem like a distant dream.
Inspire was developed with a simple vision: to offer an alternative for certain individuals who have tried and are unable to tolerate CPAP. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and candidacy depends on factors like BMI and the severity of OSA, Inspire provides a less intrusive option for those who qualify. This small, implantable device works from within the body, delivering gentle pulses to the airway muscles to keep them open during sleep.
Leading this transformative journey at Providence St. Jude is Dr. Elaine Martin, an otolaryngologist experienced in treating sinus, ear and head and neck disorders. Having witnessed the struggles of patients with OSA, Dr. Martin understands that effective treatment is more than just addressing symptoms — it’s about improving the overall quality of life. This understanding drove her to champion the adoption of this new procedure.
"Inspire represents a new dawn in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea,” she said. “In the past, we could only target static collapse of the airway with surgery, which often did not completely resolve OSA. Inspire allows us to target dynamic airway collapse and therefore offers a more complete solution.”
The outpatient procedure to implant the device is straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. The real magic, however, lies in the nights that follow — nights of uninterrupted, natural sleep.
In a health care landscape that is constantly evolving, Providence St. Jude remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With Inspire, we are not just keeping pace with change; we are driving it.
For more information about Inspire call 714-447-4100 or to find a doctor that’s right for you, visit our website providence.org/stjude.
