La Porte, IN – Northwest Health – La Porte recently completed its first implant procedure offering a new treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans. During sleep, the muscles of the throat relax, causing the airway to narrow or close and interrupt normal breathing. Each time this occurs, the brain briefly wakes the person to restore airflow. These repeated interruptions can lead to poor, fragmented sleep and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, memory problems, and other serious health issues.

To help address this condition, Jaron Pettis, M.D., a general surgeon with Northwest Medical Group, now performs an innovative, FDA-approved implant procedure that helps patients breathe naturally and sleep more soundly.

The device functions much like a pacemaker. It monitors the patient’s breathing patterns while they sleep and delivers a gentle stimulation to the tongue muscles during inhalation. This stimulation keeps the airway open and allows for normal breathing throughout the night. Instead of wearing a CPAP mask, patients use a small handheld remote to turn the device on at bedtime and off when they wake up.

The device functions much like a pacemaker. It monitors the patient’s breathing patterns while they sleep and delivers a gentle stimulation to the tongue muscles during inhalation. This stimulation keeps the airway open and allows for normal breathing throughout the night. Instead of wearing a CPAP mask, patients use a small handheld remote to turn the device on at bedtime and off when they wake up.

Northwest Health – La Porte is among the few hospitals in the region offering this advanced treatment. Patients interested in the procedure must first consult with a pulmonologist, who will determine if they are a candidate and, if appropriate, refer them to Dr. Pettis.

To find a pulmonologist or learn more about Dr. Jaron Pettis visit NWMedicalGroup.com.

About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a regional healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible health care — from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A compassionate team of caregivers work
hard to fulfill its mission to help people get well and live healthier. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.