MONTROSE, CO – Otolaryngologist Dr. Mark Noel and the Surgical Services team at Montrose Regional Health have successfully completed the first Inspire® Therapy Procedure in Montrose.
“As we celebrate the successful completion of our first Inspire implant procedure, we are proud to offer our patients a revolutionary solution for obstructive sleep apnea,” said Jeff Mengenhausen, CEO of Montrose Regional Health. “This milestone reflects our commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives within our communities.”
“Sleep apnea is such a prevalent condition, so having this procedure available means the potential for helping people is huge,” says Dr. Noel. “The great thing about it is that you don’t need any external device–it’s part of you and goes with you wherever you go and can be used in any setting.”
The procedure involves the insertion of a small implant under the skin of the neck and chest. Once implemented, Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. The procedure is brief and minimally-invasive: most patients will be able to return home the same day and use over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
The procedure is FDA-approved for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is a treatment option that is specifically designed for those who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy due to certain sleep complications.
Obstructive sleep apnea is an incredibly common issue in the United States, affecting around 22 million Americans belonging to all age groups. It occurs when air cannot properly move through the windpipe during sleep. When OSA is left untreated, it can cause workplace accidents, stroke, heart attack, and death.
People may be suffering from OSA if they are experiencing symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches shortly after waking up, gasping for air during the night, or if they have been observed with paused breathing during sleep. To learn more about Inspire implants, contact Dr. Mark Noel’s office at (970) 787-4710.
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Photo caption: Otolaryngologist Dr. Mark Noel and Montrose Regional Health have
completed the first Inspire Therapy Procedure in Montrose.
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.
