Upper Airway Stimulation

New treatment for sleep apnea

For patients with sleep apnea, Owensboro Health offers an alternative treatment to traditional CPAP therapy. The treatment is a surgical implant that stimulates the upper airway. Owensboro Health is the only health system in our region to offer this option.

How it works

A device is implanted by a surgeon as a one-day, outpatient procedure. It is designed to stimulate a nerve at the base of your tongue, keeping your airwaves open while you sleep. Patients use a remote to turn the device on at bedtime.  

Are you a candidate?

This treatment is specifically for patients who are:

• Diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
• Unable to use or get benefit from CPAP
• Not obese
• Age 18+

If you meet these criteria, upper airway stimulation could be an option for you. A sleep medicine specialist can help you evaluate your options.

Next steps

If you are considering this treatment, talk to your doctor or contact Owensboro Health Medical Group Pulmonology to schedule a consultation at 270-417-7515. The office is located in the Pleasant Valley Medical Building next to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.

Additional resources

To learn more about this treatment please visit the manufacturer website.

Download the Upper Airway Stimulation Patient Guide.