First Inspire V Implant: Dr. McIntyre’s Milestone at Chisholm Trail Surgery Center and Baylor Surgical Hospital Fort Worth

Summary: Fort Worth ENT’s Dr. J. Bradley McIntyre has performed the first Inspire V implant procedures at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth as well as Chisholm Trail Surgery Center. This latest generation of Inspire sleep apnea therapy offers a less invasive, Bluetooth-enabled, and more efficient CPAP alternative, giving obstructive sleep apnea patients in Fort Worth a new path to better sleep.

We’re proud to share a significant milestone in sleep apnea treatment right here in Fort Worth.

Dr. J. Bradley McIntyre, one of our leading physicians at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus, has performed the first Inspire V implant procedures at both Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth and Chisholm Trail Surgery Center.

This achievement represents more than a “first.” It signals a jump forward in how we can help patients struggling with obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who have tried and failed to find relief with CPAP therapy.

A New Chapter in Sleep Apnea Care

For years, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines have been the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. They work for many, but the discomfort, noise, and inconvenience make nightly use difficult or impossible for some patients.

That’s where the Inspire sleep apnea device comes in. Rather than forcing air into your airway from the outside, Inspire works inside your body, gently stimulating the muscles that keep your airway open while you sleep.

And now, the latest technology, the Inspire V implant, makes the procedure more streamlined, comfortable, and adaptable than ever before.

What Is the Inspire V System?

The Inspire V implant is a small, surgically implanted device designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea by working with your natural breathing patterns. While earlier versions of Inspire have already transformed lives across the country, this newest generation brings some significant improvements:

• Integrated Respiratory Sensor: Older models required a separate sensing lead to detect your breathing. The Inspire V integrates that sensor directly into the device, simplifying the sleep apnea implant procedure and reducing surgical steps.
• Updated Neurostimulator: The advanced neurostimulator delivers more precise airway stimulation, helping keep your airway open without over- or under-stimulating the muscles.
• Bluetooth-Enabled Remote & Programmer: Patients receive a small, sleep apnea remote control device to turn the system on at bedtime and off in the morning. Physicians can now make adjustments wirelessly, improving convenience and fine-tuning for each individual’s needs.

Why This Matters for Fort Worth Patients

This isn’t about surgical innovation. It’s about giving people options.

Many patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea feel stuck when CPAP doesn’t work for them. Until recently, their choices were limited. Now, with the Inspire sleep apnea treatment options and Dr. McIntyre’s expertise bringing the Inspire implant to Fort Worth, more people can find a solution that truly fits their life.

Some benefits of Inspire V therapy include:

• No mask, no hoses, no noise, just quiet, natural breathing
• In outpatient surgery, most patients return home the same day.
• Custom, wireless adjustments for optimal comfort
• Long-term results with consistent nightly use
• Improve sleep quality in Fort Worth and daytime energy

Inside the Procedure

The sleep apnea implant procedure for Inspire V typically takes about two hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Here’s what happens:

1. Implantation of the Neurostimulator: The surgeon places the Inspire V device under the skin in the upper chest.
2. Connection to the Hypoglossal Nerve: A slight lead connects the neurostimulator to the nerve that controls tongue movement, ensuring gentle stimulation to keep the airway open.
3. Built-In Respiratory Sensing: The integrated respiratory sensor allows the device to read breathing patterns without a separate chest sensor, reducing the complexity of the procedure.
4. Activation & Programming: The device is activated a few weeks after sleep apnea surgery. Patients receive a remote control to use nightly.

Because of the integrated design and updated technology, recovery tends to be smoother, and adjustments can be made more easily over time.

How Inspire Works While You Sleep

When you turn on the Inspire device at bedtime with your remote, it begins monitoring your breathing. The system gently stimulates the muscles that keep your airway open as you inhale. You continue to breathe naturally, there’s no forced air like with CPAP, and you can sleep in your preferred position without a mask getting in the way.

You simply turn it off in the morning. For many, this results in deeper, quieter sleep and reduced sleep apnea symptoms, such as loud snoring, restless nights, and excessive daytime fatigue.

A Regional First—And What It Means for You

By performing the first Inspire V implants at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth and Chisholm Trail Surgery Center, Dr. McIntyre is bringing advanced obstructive sleep apnea solutions closer to home.

This means that patients in the Fort Worth area no longer have to travel long distances to access the latest Inspire sleep apnea technology. Our practice is committed to staying at the forefront of treatment innovations so we can offer the very best to our community.

Is Inspire V Right for You?

Inspire V therapy is generally recommended for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
• Are unable to tolerate or get consistent benefit from CPAP
• Do not have significant central sleep apnea
• Are at a healthy weight range for surgical candidacy

If you meet these criteria, Inspire V may be an excellent alternative to CPAP, offering better sleep without the nightly struggle of a mask.

Life After Inspire

Patients who have received earlier versions of the Inspire implant often describe life-changing results, better energy, improved mood, and a renewed ability to enjoy daily activities without the fog of sleep deprivation. With the Inspire V’s technological upgrades, the hope is that even more patients will experience these benefits with greater ease and comfort.

As with any medical treatment, results vary, but the long-term data for Inspire therapy is strong, showing sustained improvements in sleep quality and a significant reduction in apnea episodes.

Our Commitment to Innovation

Fort Worth ENT & Sinus believes in matching each patient with the proper treatment, not just the standard treatment. For some, CPAP remains the best option. For others, oral appliances or lifestyle changes may help. And now, with the availability of Inspire V therapy in Fort Worth, we can offer another path to better sleep.

Dr. McIntyre’s role in bringing the first Inspire implant V procedures to two major Fort Worth surgical centers is part of our broader commitment: staying ahead of the curve in advanced sleep apnea technology and making those solutions available to our community.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep

If you or someone you love is struggling with obstructive sleep apnea and traditional treatments haven’t worked, it may be time to explore the Inspire V implant. Our team can help you determine if this CPAP alternative in Fort Worth is the right fit.

Call 817-332-8848 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with Dr. McIntyre or one of our other experienced physicians.

Better sleep isn’t about feeling rested. It’s about protecting your health, boosting your energy, and improving your overall quality of life. The latest generation of Inspire therapy makes that goal more achievable than ever.

FAQs

Jeremy Watkins

Dr. Jeremy Watkins is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus. He practices ear, nose, throat, and sinus care for children and adults. Dr. Watkins received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He obtained his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, and finished his training in Memphis, Tennessee where he completed a general surgery internship, followed by a residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Tennessee.