St. Cloud Hospital is First in Minnesota to Perform New Implant Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

St. Cloud, Minn. – St. Cloud Hospital performed the first commercial Inspire therapy procedure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Minnesota on Dec. 31. The outpatient surgery was performed by Otolaryngologist Ron Hanson, M.D., St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic.

Approved by the FDA earlier this year, Inspire therapy is an effective new treatment option for people with moderate to severe OSA who struggle with the restrictions of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Inspire therapy is a small implant that delivers mild stimulation to keep the airway open during sleep. 

Hanson performed many Inspire therapy implants during the clinical trial phase of the therapy, and is one of the most experienced surgeons in the world performing this procedure. In addition, Dr. Hanson, who works in collaboration with Troy Payne, M.D., sleep medicine, CentraCare Clinic, has helped train more than 50 surgeons nationwide.

“This therapy represents a significant shift in how we treat sleep patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP,” Payne said. “The patients we have treated with this therapy are doing very well. We are excited to have this therapy available in St. Cloud.”

Inspire therapy is effective for people with a body mass index (BMI) under 32. An information session will be offered at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, 1528 Northway Dr., St. Cloud. To register, call 855-710-4677. For more information, call St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at 320-252-0233 or St. Cloud Hospital Sleep Center at 320-251-0726.

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