Our multidisciplinary team carefully evaluates each child to identify the cause of their airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing. This evaluation may include:

• A review of the child’s medical history and symptoms
• Sleep study results
• Physical examination
• Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), a procedure that allows doctors to see where the airway is collapsing during sleep

By understanding the specific areas causing blockage, we can recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

What is the Inspire Device?

Inspire is an FDA-approved treatment that uses hypoglossal nerve stimulation to help keep the airway open during sleep. The system is implanted under the skin and works by gently stimulating a nerve that controls tongue movement. This helps prevent the airway from becoming blocked while sleeping.

Unlike CPAP, Inspire does not use a mask or continuous air pressure.

Is Inspire Therapy Right for My Child?

Children and adolescents with Down syndrome may be candidates for Inspire therapy if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Age 13 or older
• Diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (10–50 breathing events per hour)
• Not effectively treated by adenotonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils and adenoids)
• Unable to tolerate CPAP or have not had success with CPAP treatment

Inspire therapy is only appropriate for a small and carefully selected group of patients. Our multidisciplinary team thoroughly evaluates each child to determine whether Inspire or another treatment option is the best choice.

How is Inspire Therapy Used In Treatment Plans?

Inspire is considered one treatment option within a larger, individualized care plan. It is not intended to replace all other therapies. Our team works closely with families to determine the safest and most effective approach for each child.

What Kind of Follow-Up Care is Provided After Inspire is Implanted?

Children who receive Inspire therapy participate in structured follow-up care that includes:

• Device programming and adjustments
• Ongoing monitoring
• Regular evaluations to ensure the treatment is safe and effective

Clinical innovation: Children’s Wisconsin was the first center in the Midwest to implant the latest Inspire V system in a pediatric patient with Down syndrome. Our team continues to evaluate outcomes and refine treatment approaches to help more children achieve better sleep and improved quality of life.

Top doctors: Our doctors rank among the Best Doctors in America. This highlights their strong reputation in pediatric care.

Health care heroes: BizTimes Milwaukee honored our tracheostomy and home ventilator team as Notable Heroes in Health Care for their outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic