Sleep apnea care · Flint, Michigan
Inspire Implant & Genio Implant in Flint, MI
Explore implant options for obstructive sleep apnea when CPAP has been difficult to use. An individual evaluation helps determine whether either treatment may be appropriate for you.
Dr. Ghanem is a high-volume surgeon experienced in implanting both Inspire and Genio devices.
What is hypoglossal nerve stimulation?
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation uses an implanted device to stimulate the nerve that controls tongue movement, helping keep the airway open during sleep. It may be considered for selected people with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot use or tolerate positive airway pressure treatment.
This treatment involves surgery and an individualized assessment. Your clinician can explain its potential benefits, risks, alternatives and follow-up requirements.
Inspire and Genio implants
The Inspire implant and the Genio implant are both hypoglossal nerve stimulation options for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. They work in different ways, and an individual evaluation determines whether either may be suitable.
Inspire Implant
- Power: a fully implanted system with its own internal battery, so nothing is worn on the body at night.
- During sleep: you turn therapy on with a handheld remote when you are ready to sleep and off when you wake. A companion app can track your use and share data with your provider.
Genio Implant
- Power: a battery-free stimulator placed under the chin, powered by a small external activation chip on a disposable adhesive patch worn under the chin at night.
- During sleep: it stimulates the nerves on both sides of the tongue. You can start, pause, or adjust stimulation within set limits using an optional app, then remove the patch and recharge the chip each morning.
Is it an option for you?
Difficulty using CPAP is a reason to discuss your options, but it does not determine eligibility on its own. Your sleep study, previous treatment experience, health history and airway assessment help guide the decision.
Your sleep apnea diagnosis
Your sleep study and the type of sleep apnea you have.
Your experience with treatment
What you have tried and the difficulties you have experienced.
Your individual health and anatomy
Factors that may affect whether an implanted treatment is appropriate.
A useful place to start.
When you call, let our office know you would like to discuss treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Ask whether your sleep study report is needed before the visit.
- Be ready to describe your experience with CPAP or other treatment.
- Write down the questions you want to discuss.
Our office can explain scheduling and what information to provide.
Practical questions.
Does difficulty using CPAP mean I qualify?
Not necessarily. An individualized assessment is needed to determine whether hypoglossal nerve stimulation is appropriate.
How do I know whether Inspire or Genio is right for me?
Both are hypoglossal nerve stimulation options, and suitability for either depends on an individual evaluation. Dr. Ghanem can explain how each implant works and which, if either, may be appropriate for you.
Does treatment involve surgery?
Yes. The device is implanted surgically. Your clinician will discuss the procedure, potential risks, alternatives and follow-up before a treatment decision is made.
Should I stop using my current treatment?
Discuss any treatment changes with the clinician managing your sleep apnea.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage and authorization requirements vary by plan and service. Contact your insurance company to ask about your benefits and your provider’s network status.
Insurance and referral informationTalk through your next step.
Call our Flint office to discuss scheduling an evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea.
Flint, MI 48532