Inspire Therapy Gets its Start.
In 1994, scientists at Medtronic, the world’s largest manufacturer of active implantable medical devices, began a journey to develop a new therapy for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Using well established technologies from the fields of cardiac pacemakers and neuro-stimulation, Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulaton (UAS) therapy was developed.
Encouraging Initial Results.
8 patients were implanted with the Inspire I System in the first ever human trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of Upper Airway Stimulation. The encouraging results from this first human study were published in a prestigious medical journal.
Go To Abstract
Inspire Medical Systems Formed.
In an effort to accelerate the ongoing development and clinical testing of Inspire therapy, a group of prominent medical technology investors provided significant funding and formed Inspire Medical Systems. Medtronic remains an investor as well as the manufacturer of major elements of the Inspire system.
The company completed development of the 2nd generation Inspire II system. Important technological advancements were made in a number of areas including the development of a minimally invasive respiratory sensing technique that requires only 1 sensing lead.
Inspire II Feasibility Study.
The Inspire II feasibility study enrollments were completed in October 2010. The Inspire II system demonstrated significant and sustained reductions in sleep apnea episodes in a select group of OSA patients.
STAR Trial & CE Mark.
After reviewing Inspire II feasibility study safety and performance data, Medical Regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe approved The STAR (Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction) Trial. The enrollment phase of the trial was completed in early 2012 and the follow-up phase will continue at leading medical centers in the United States and Europe.
The Inspire II device received CE mark approval and is now available on a limited basis in Europe. For European physicians interested in learning more about Inspire UAS therapy, please contact one of our European representatives:
In Germany: germany@inspiresleep.com
In Italy: italy@inspiresleep.com
In The Netherlands, France and Belgium: europe@inspiresleep.com
