Hundreds of my patients over the years have experienced relief from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) through the Inspire implant. Powers Health now offers an exciting new treatment option for those struggling with moderate to severe OSA.
Genio therapy is an FDA-approved mask-free option that works by stimulating the motor nerve on both sides of the tongue to contract the tongue muscles and keep the airway open throughout the night.
An estimated 30 million Americans live with sleep apnea. Patients with untreated or poorly treated sleep apnea have a much higher risk of experiencing heart disease, diabetes, stroke and weight gain. Powers Health aims to help those patients with this new tool.
Genio combines a battery-free stimulator with a wearable component that powers the device. The stimulator is implanted under the chin during a one-time outpatient surgical procedure. The wearable component combines a disposable patch with an external battery that is worn under the chin while sleeping.
Genio therapy has been clinically proven to significantly reduce sleep apnea events, with high rates of daily use and patient satisfaction. It is activated approximately eight weeks post procedure, after which it can be controlled through a smartphone app that offers usage tracking and the ability to adjust therapy within a defined range. The activation chip is charged daily via a small portable charger.
Genio may be a good fit for adults 22 and older with moderate to severe OSA who can no longer tolerate or benefit from current standard of care treatments, such as lifestyle modification or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
The Inspire implant is another exceptional tool offered in our advanced surgical practice at Powers Health. It is inserted just under the skin of the chest and neck through two small incisions. On the upper chest wall is a battery connected to a wire that lies between the rib muscles. When the wire senses an inward breath, the battery sends a signal under the skin to another wire resting against a tongue nerve. With each breath, the nerve is stimulated to move the tongue forward, opening the airway. The device is turned on at bedtime and starts working after the patient has fallen asleep.
Dr. Leonard Covello is an otolaryngologist/ENT physician affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. His office, 10240 Calumet Ave., Munster, can be reached at 219-836-8100.
