A modern treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – described to be similar to a pacemaker – has reached its 100th implantation in the UK, marked by a milestone procedure carried out at Trafford General Hospital.<\/p>\n
The device, developed by Inspire Medical Systems Inc, is providing an additional option for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea who are unable to tolerate conventional CPAP therapy.<\/p>\n
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The implant is designed to work inside the body in sync with the patient\u2019s breathing and once implanted, is controlled each night by the patient with a handheld remote. Ms Sadie Khwaja and Mr Sean Loughran, Consultant ENT Surgeons at Trafford General Hospital who carried out the landmark procedure, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis milestone marks an important step forward in how we treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the UK. OSA can have a substantial impact on health and quality of life, so it is important that patients are assessed and offered the most appropriate treatment approach for their individual needs. As awareness of OSA grows, it is encouraging to see increasing access to specialist services and a broader range of treatment pathways for eligible patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
About the length of two 50 pence coins, the device is implanted in the body and gently stimulates the nerve that controls tongue movement. It works in sync with the patient\u2019s breathing to help keep the airway open during sleep.<\/p>\n
Patients activate the therapy before bed using a handheld remote and switch it off again in the morning, without wearing equipment on the face or using bedside machines.<\/p>\n
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common but serious condition caused by repeated collapse of the airway during sleep. When left untreated, there could be a higher risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart failure, and a shortened life span.<\/p>\n
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been the standard treatment for decades. However, many patients struggle to tolerate it. A database analysis has shown that just under half of patients stopped their CPAP treatment after three years.<\/p>\n
The treatment is now available at multiple NHS centres across England, with access continuing to expand. For eligible patients, the therapy is funded by the NHS, while some patients may also choose to self-fund privately. OSA is estimated to affect nearly a quarter of the UK population of 30-69 year olds, although many people remain undiagnosed or untreated.<\/p>\n
Ed Holyoak from Inspire Medical Systems added:<\/p>\n
\u201cReaching 100 patients is an important milestone and highlights the growing number of people being supported through alternative care pathways. It marks not just a number, but a collective effort from patients, clinicians, and UK healthcare systems working together to expand options in sleep health.\u201d<\/p>\n