Inspire, referring to the Inspire upper airway stimulation system, is surgically implanted beneath the clavicle (collarbone).
The Inspire system is designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. Here's a breakdown of where the different components are placed:
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Impulse Generator: This small device, the core of the Inspire system, is implanted under the skin in the upper chest, specifically beneath the clavicle. This location is chosen for accessibility and to minimize discomfort.
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Breathing Sensing Lead: This lead is tunneled and positioned between the external and intercostal muscles in the chest wall. Its purpose is to detect the patient's breathing patterns.
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Stimulation Lead: This lead is also tunneled and carefully attached to a branch of the hypoglossal nerve in the neck. This specific branch controls the tongue's protrusion. By stimulating this nerve, the tongue is moved forward slightly during sleep, preventing airway obstruction.
In summary, while "inspire" as a general concept can refer to motivation or creativity, in the context of the Inspire system for sleep apnea, it refers to a device implanted beneath the clavicle, along with other components strategically placed to monitor breathing and stimulate the hypoglossal nerve.
