Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital Celebrates 500th Inspire Implant – A Milestone in Transforming Lives

TUCSON – Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital is proud to announce the achievement of a significant milestone by successfully completing the implantation of 500 Inspire Implants. The hospital has played a pivotal role in advancing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Dr. AJ Emami, an Otolaryngologist, was noted as one of the first Inspire implanters in the state of Arizona and remains one of the busiest surgeons in the southwest specializing in the implantation of this medical device in the southwest. Dr. Niki Patel, an Otolaryngologist, has also positively impacted the lives of patients with OSA at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital.

Inspire, an FDA-approved OSA treatment, caters to individuals unable to use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Addressing a critical health issue affecting 30 million Americans, this innovative solution helps prevent accidents, mood and memory issues, strokes, heart attacks, and other health complications associated with untreated OSA.

Inspire works in tandem with the body's natural breathing process, using mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The system is implanted through a short outpatient procedure, and patients typically return home the same day.

"This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing advanced and high-quality healthcare solutions in our community. The 500th implant is a testament to our dedication to improving the lives of those affected by sleep apnea and underscores our position as a leader in healthcare innovation,” said Monica Vargas, Carondelet Health Network’s Chief Executive Officer.

"Being part of this journey with Inspire has been very rewarding. Witnessing its impact on patients' lives and reaching the 500th implant is a testament to the efficacy and importance of this groundbreaking treatment,” said Dr. Emami. “Inspire offers a lifeline to patients who struggle with traditional therapies, and we are excited to continue providing this transformative solution."

“Advancements in medical technology make incredible differences in the lives of our patients, and I’ve witnessed it firsthand. In partnership, we’re changing people’s lives together, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished bringing better quality sleep back to our patients,” said Dr. Patel.

Carondelet Health Network’s providers, sleep technologists, and highly trained staff are committed to identifying the causes of patients’ sleep problems, alleviating symptoms, and improving sleep patterns. Both St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals offer comprehensive services, including patient education, evaluation, diagnosis, and specialized medical technology to treat sleep disorders.