Pacemaker-Like Device for Sleep Apnea on the Horizon

Existing treatment options and marketing approaches for obstructive sleep apnea and loud snoring may be changing with a new, pacemaker-like medical device.

Sleep centers, hospitals, otolaryngologists and other providers will want to follow the introduction of an airway stimulation therapy approach. The new medical device has been approved for sale in Europe and for clinical testing in the US market later this year.

Obstructive sleep apnea is often treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system. While CPAP can be effective, it’s a technique that’s not popular with everyone and is often abandoned by many patients.

It’s a sizable market with about 12-15 million US sufferers, according to the National Institutes of Health. A serious health issue, obstructive sleep apnea and loud snoring may be associated with other health issues ranging from daytime fatigue and depression to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

The upper airway stimulation therapy device by Inspire Medical provides a treatment option. The medical device is implanted under the skin near the collarbone and, during sleep, electronically stimulates nerves controlling the base of the tongue.

Healthcare and medical marketing professionals will want to follow the clinical testing process. With success and subsequent regulatory approval, the new pacemaker-like medical device could provide a marketing and advertising gateway with more appealing patient advantages and benefits than current options.

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There’s more about results-based healthcare marketing and advertising programs for otolaryngologists, sleep centers, hospitals and other providers on our website. You can reach out to us directly, or begin the conversation with the free confidential healthcare marketing assessment here.