Article · 2 min read
Inspire Implant Surgery Explained
A step-by-step guide to Inspire implant surgery: how to get ready, what happens in the operating room, and how you heal.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
INSPIRE · SURGERY
Inspire surgery at a glance
- 3cutsSmall cuts
- 2-3hoursUsual surgery time
- 2-3weeksFor most people to heal
- About 1monthUntil the device is turned on
- Inspire is placed through small cuts while you are fully asleep.
- Most people go home the same day or after one night.
- The device is turned on about one month after surgery.
- Settings are adjusted over several follow-up visits.
- A follow-up sleep study checks that it works.
Inspire is placed during a minimally invasive surgery, which means the doctor uses only small cuts. You often go home the same day, and most people heal in 2-3 weeks. The device is turned on about one month after surgery.
What happens during surgery?
You get general anesthesia, so you are fully asleep. Knowing each step can help you feel less worried. The surgeon makes three small cuts to place the parts:
- Below the jawline — Here the surgeon attaches a thin wire (the stimulation lead) to the hypoglossal nerve, the nerve that moves your tongue.
- Upper chest — Here the surgeon makes a small pocket for the pulse generator. This is the small battery unit that sends the signals. It is like a pacemaker.
- Between the ribs — Here the surgeon places a wire that senses your breathing.
The wires run under your skin and connect to the pulse generator. The cuts are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.
How do you get ready?
- Tests — Finish all your tests before surgery. This includes DISE, a short test where the doctor looks at your airway while you sleep under medicine.
- Insurance — Obtain insurance pre-authorization.
- Instructions — Follow your pre-surgery instructions. For example, you may need to stop eating and drinking, or change some medicines.
- A ride — Plan for someone to drive you home.
How long does healing take?
- Day 1-3 — You will have mild soreness where the cuts are. Store-bought pain medicine usually helps.
- Week 1 — Most people feel OK going back to light activities.
- Week 2-3 — You slowly go back to normal activities. Avoid heavy lifting.
- Month 1 — Your sleep doctor turns on the device at a visit.
- Months 2-3 — Your settings are adjusted over several follow-up visits.
- Month 3-4 — You have a follow-up sleep study to make sure the treatment works.
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, there are risks. These include infection, bleeding, and soreness where the device is placed. With Inspire, tongue weakness can happen, but it is rare and usually goes away. Serious problems are not common.
INSPIRE · SURGERY
The three small cuts
| Where | What goes there | |
|---|---|---|
| Cut 1 | Below the jawline | A thin wire on the nerve that moves your tongue |
| Cut 2 | Upper chest | The small battery unit that sends signals, like a pacemaker |
| Cut 3 | Between the ribs | A wire that senses your breathing |
The wires run under your skin, and the stitches dissolve on their own.
INSPIRE · RECOVERY
Healing timeline
- 1
Days 1 to 3
Mild soreness at the cuts; store-bought pain medicine usually helps.
- 2
Week 1
Most people feel OK going back to light activities.
- 3
Weeks 2 to 3
Slowly return to normal activities, but avoid heavy lifting.
- 4
Month 1
Your sleep doctor turns on the device at a visit.
Key point - 5
Months 2 to 4
Settings are adjusted, then a sleep study checks that it works.
Watch and learn
Common questions
How long is Inspire surgery?
Do I go home the same day after Inspire surgery?
When can I return to normal activities?
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- Sleep FoundationHypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
- AASMObstructive Sleep Apnea
- NHLBISleep Apnea Information
- Mayo ClinicOSA Overview
- NIHSleep Apnea
- AASMObstructive Sleep Apnea