Inspire® for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Implantation Surgery

Inspire therapy is a surgically implanted device called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) that can help teens with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have not seen the desired results from a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or adenotonsillectomy. 

You can help ensure the best possible surgical outcome by understanding what to expect before, during, and after an Inspire implant procedure at Gillette Children’s. Here are a few resources to help you feel more prepared:

• Review tips to prepare for same-day surgery at Gillette.  

The implant procedure itself will take no longer than two hours. One night of monitoring at Gillette is required immediately following the surgery.

During the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes one cut under the patient’s chin, locates the hypoglossal nerve that controls the tongue, and places a cuff on the nerve. The cuff will deliver gentle pulses to keep the tongue from blocking the patient’s airway during sleep. 

The surgeon will make a second incision near the patient’s collarbone to implant the Inspire device and breathing sensor. The device allows a Sleep Medicine provider to program the implant, and the breathing sensor monitors a patient’s breathing during sleep.

After returning home following surgery, follow post-implantation discharge instructions as provided. After the implantation procedure, you will follow up with their Sleep Medicine provider to activate the implant and learn how to use the Inspire remote. After two months of use, your Sleep Medicine provider will recommend a follow-up sleep study to verify results from the implant and turn the device on for the first time. After that, your sleep medicine provider will recommend routine follow-up as needed.

Successfully identifying which patients with Down syndrome will benefit from Inspire therapy, performing Inspire implantation, and providing long-term care to patients who have an Inspire device requires the collaboration of a highly skilled team.

You’ll have access to a full range of services and extensive family support at Gillette. Your expert Down syndrome team will collaborate to provide comprehensive care for your child, and will help you navigate the other services you may need, like: 

• Audiology
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngology)
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Sleep medicine
• Pediatrics

Whatever your goals are, Gillette is with you every step of the way.