Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) announced today that it is the first healthcare organization in Austin to offer Genio® — a minimally invasive surgical treatment for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that can cause patients to stop breathing for short periods of time while they sleep.
Genio® is a mask-free sleep apnea therapy system that uses a surgically inserted, battery-free implant to gently stimulate the hypoglossal nerves and move the tongue forward while patients sleep. The device allows for more consistent and unobstructed breathing without the need for a CPAP machine, a medical device that delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask. Genio® therapy has been clinically proven to significantly reduce sleep apnea events, with high rates of daily use and patient satisfaction.
Compared to other mask-free alternatives, Genio® is battery-free, requiring only one incision for installation with no follow-up procedures. Genio® bilaterally stimulates both sides of the tongue for symmetrical movement regardless of sleeping position.
ARC Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist Caleb Simmons, MD, is dedicated to providing greater treatment options and improved access to care for Central Texans with OSA. Dr. Simmons provides comprehensive evaluations to help determine if Genio® is appropriate for you and coordinates your treatment every step of the way.
"For many patients who struggle with traditional CPAP therapy, finding an effective alternative used to be a challenge," said Dr. Simmons. "With Genio®, we now offer an innovative, minimally invasive choice that significantly improves sleep quality and long-term health outcomes."
How does Genio® sleep apnea therapy work?
Genio® is a two-part therapy system that consists of:
- A battery-free stimulator that is implanted beneath the chin through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
- A sleep wearable that includes a chargeable activation chip and disposable patch that is used to power the implanted stimulator.
Once the implant has healed eight weeks post procedure, the Genio® therapy system is activated and can be tracked and adjusted using an optional smartphone application. The sleep wearable is then worn under the chin area to deliver nerve stimulation while patients sleep and is later removed when they wake up.
ARC ENT and Neurology offer a multidisciplinary approach to sleep medicine
Every sleep disorder is different. Some sleep problems are caused by a blocked airway or snoring, while others involve how the brain regulates sleep and wakefulness. Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from care from an ENT specialist, a neurologist, or both.
ARC ENT and Neurology sleep medicine clinicians have partnered to bring the new Genio® technology to life by combining surgical expertise with medical device programming abilities. These specialties work together to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep-related conditions. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the highest level of care for OSA and other sleep disorders.
Learn more about both:
For more information about Genio® therapy at ARC or to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Simmons, visit the ARC website or call 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO) and choose option "1."
About Austin Regional Clinic
Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) is a multispecialty medical group committed to providing comprehensive, coordinated healthcare services throughout Central Texas. Founded by three Austin physicians in 1980, ARC now provides health care to over 700,000 area residents in nearly 40 locations in 15 Central Texas cities, including primary, specialty, and surgical care. ARC is unique to the Central Texas area because of its widespread locations, convenient services, and quality assurance programs. ARC patients enjoy access to such conveniences as Same-Day appointments, 24/7 scheduling for primary care and many specialties, telemedicine services, ARC MyChart patient portal, After Hours Clinics, and nursing services through the night. Most ARC clinics also offer on-site radiology and lab services, and some clinics offer specialty care for specific health issues such as multiple sclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. For more information, visit http://www.austinregionalclinic.com.