Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic Introduces Advanced Inspire V Device for Sleep Apnea Patients

RHINELANDER, Wis. - Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic is pleased to offer the newest generation of Inspire therapy, Inspire V, an innovative implantable treatment option for patients living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The advanced technology provides an alternative for individuals who have not found success with or are unable to tolerate traditional CPAP therapy.

Dr. Ryan Black, Otolaryngologist at Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic, is now offering this state-of-the-art treatment to qualifying patients seeking long-term relief from sleep apnea symptoms.

"Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on a person's overall health, energy levels, and quality of life," said Dr. Black. "Many patients become frustrated when CPAP therapy doesn't fit comfortably into their daily routine. Inspire V gives us another proven option that addresses the condition in a different way, helping patients breathe more naturally during sleep and improve their long-term health."

Inspire therapy has been available for more than 10 years and has helped thousands of patients nationwide better manage obstructive sleep apnea. Recent changes in insurance coverage, including expanded approval by Medicare and many private insurers, have increased access to the therapy for eligible individuals.

The newest generation, Inspire V, features several important enhancements:
• Simplified design: Eliminates the need for a sensing lead in the intercostal muscles.
• Advanced technology: Utilizes an accelerometer within the neurostimulator battery to detect breathing directly from the chest wall.
• Streamlined procedure: Enables a faster, less invasive implantation process and improved patient experience.

"Inspire V reflects the continued evolution of sleep apnea treatment," Dr. Black added. "The updated design allows for a more efficient procedure while maintaining the effectiveness patients expect. It's exciting to bring this next-generation technology to northern Wisconsin and offer another pathway to healthier sleep."

Inspire therapy is an implantable neurostimulation system that works similarly to a pacemaker but is designed to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The device delivers gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. This stimulation helps keep the airway open during sleep, reducing apnea events and improving sleep quality.

The Inspire system is implanted beneath the skin through two small incisions, one in the neck and one in the chest. It consists of three components:
• A stimulation cuff lead placed around the hypoglossal nerve
• A generator that houses the sensing mechanism which detects respiratory effort
• An external remote that patients use to manage their therapy

Clinical studies have demonstrated a 90% overall patient satisfaction rate with Inspire therapy.

Inspire therapy is approved for adults age 18 and older who meet specific criteria, including:
• Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15-100)
• Less than 25% central or mixed sleep apnea
• CPAP failure or intolerance
• Appropriate airway anatomy