New Sleep Apnea Treatment at Jersey Shore University Medical Ctr

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, announced that Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center are among the first hospitals in New Jersey to offer an innovative new treatment option called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy to help obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who are unable to use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

“Jersey Shore University Medical Center is excited to be among the first hospitals in New Jersey to offer an innovative new treatment, Inspire therapy, as a promising alternative for sleep apnea patients who are unable to use CPAP,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Studies show that Inspire therapy will enhance the patient experience by reducing sleep apnea events and improving patient outcomes.”

More than 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, which can potentially be a life-threatening condition. Research shows that poorly managed sleep apnea increases a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, weight gain, high blood pressure and heart failure. While CPAP can be a successful therapy option, studies show that approximately half of all patients who start CPAP eventually become non-compliant.

“Hackensack University Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our sleep apnea patients with cutting-edge treatments like Inspire therapy,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, regional president, northern market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Sleep apnea impacts millions of Americans, and this advanced therapy will help us treat more patients who struggle with CPAP.”

Inspire therapy is the first implantable device for treating OSA. In comparison to CPAP, Inspire therapy works from inside the body and with a patient’s natural breathing process. The implantable device includes a small generator, sensing lead and stimulation lead. Activated by a handheld remote, the device sends mild stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping the airway open during sleep.

In the Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR) trial, a clinical trial that tested the safety and efficacy of Inspire therapy and was published in the January 9, 2014 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, patients experienced a significant reduction in sleep apnea incidents and substantial improvement in quality of life.

To learn more about Inspire therapy and sleep services at Hackensack Meridian Health, please call 732-776-3307 and press 2 for the sleep navigator.