Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder, which affects two to four percent of adults according to the National Institutes of Health. This chronic condition occurs when the soft tissues in the throat, like the tongue, relax during sleep and block and obstruct the airway, causing breathing to start and stop during sleep. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea.
Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons operating at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital and Surgery Center Cedar Rapids (SCCR) began offering Inspire® therapy in 2019 as an FDA-approved, mask-free alternative to CPAP for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Now, Dr. Thomas Heineman of PCI ENT was the second surgeon in the country —and the only one in the Midwest—selected to offer the new the Inspire V™ system, the latest generation of the Inspire® therapy implant for OSA.
The Inspire V system has been exclusively offered at St. Luke’s and SCCR starting in late January 2025. Since then, 11 patients received the Inspire V system.
“Inspire works inside the body with the natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea,” explained Dr. Heineman. “While you sleep, it delivers gentle stimulation to key airway muscles to keep the airway open. The system is easily controlled by a small handheld remote—just turn it on at bedtime and off when you wake. We’re proud to be part of the limited market release of the Inspire V system, which features an integrated respiratory sensor that simplifies the procedure, increases surgical efficiency, and improves the overall patient experience.”
The Inspire V™ system represents a major innovation in Inspire® therapy, eliminating the need to place a separate sensing lead. This streamlining not only reduces surgical complexity but also enhances operating room efficiency.
“Inspire V simplifies the procedure and allows us to help more patients with fewer steps,” added Dr. Heineman.
Implantation of the Inspire V™ system is performed as an outpatient procedure. Individuals who experience symptoms of OSA—such as loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, or excessive daytime drowsiness—should talk with their primary care provider to what options are available for them.
For more information about Inspire® therapy at SCCR, visit:
