WellStar Pioneers New Sleep Apnea Treatment

MARIETTA, Ga., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- WellStar Paulding Hospital is the first hospital in Georgia and became the second in the U.S. to offer a new, innovative procedure to address sleep apnea.  As part of WellStar Health System, Paulding Hospital is on the cutting edge of medical technology, continually offering the latest treatments and solutions.

Inspire Therapy offers relief for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients who are unable to use traditional treatments, like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).  Inspire Therapy is a fully implanted neurostimulation device, much like a cardiac pacemaker.  When activated, Inspire Therapy senses breathing patterns and delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, which keeps the airway open during sleep.

"WellStar is breaking new ground with innovative treatments for sleep apnea," said Patrick Melder, M.D., co-medical director, WellStar Sleep Program.  "This new treatment provides more options for patients who struggle with traditional treatments.  In contrast to other surgical options to treat sleep apnea, Inspire Therapy does not require removal or permanent alteration of facial or airway anatomy. As such, the procedure is less invasive, less painful and results in a quicker recovery."

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent health issue affecting about 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Research shows that an individual with poorly managed obstructive sleep apnea is at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart failure and falling asleep while driving.  Sleep apnea can also be disruptive to one's everyday activities causing depression, spousal issues, irritability and daytime fatigue. Nearly 80 percent of individuals with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed.

About WellStar Health System
Recognized as the fifth most integrated healthcare delivery system in the country, WellStar Health System is the largest not-for-profit health system in Georgia and serves a population of more than 1.4 million residents in five counties. The vision of WellStar is to deliver world-class healthcare. A national leader in the transformation of healthcare delivery, WellStar launched the Center for Health Transformation and the Georgia Health Collaborative that will have far-reaching effects on healthcare both locally and nationally. WellStar includes WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital) and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Parks; Pediatric Center; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and the WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956-STAR or visit wellstar.org.

SOURCE WellStar Health System