NCH First in Florida to Activate New Implantable Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has become the first healthcare system in Florida to activate a new implantable therapy designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea, marking a significant milestone for patients who struggle with traditional treatments such as CPAP.

The therapy, known as GENIO, uses gentle electrical stimulation to help keep a patient’s airway open during sleep. Unlike CPAP, which relies on pressurized air delivered through a mask, the GENIO system works from inside the body by supporting the muscles that control tongue movement, a common cause of airway collapse in people with sleep apnea.

Two patients were recently activated by the sleep medicine team at NCH’s Pulmonary and Sleep Center, led by Jose Valle, MD (Featured Photo) and Gaja Shaughnessy, MD along with the program’s nurse navigator. “Activation is the moment when the therapy is turned on for the first time and customized for the patient,” said Gaja Shaughnessy, MD, pulmonologist, NCH Critical Care, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. “After the device is implanted and the body has healed, we carefully program the stimulation so it works in sync with the patient’s natural breathing during sleep.”

GENIO is a form of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. In simple terms, the system sends mild electrical signals to the nerves that control tongue movement, helping prevent the tongue from relaxing backward and blocking the airway during sleep. The implant itself does not contain a battery and is powered by a small external component worn under the chin at night, allowing therapy to begin only when the patient is asleep.

“For many patients, sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring, it’s about oxygen levels, heart health, daytime fatigue, and overall quality of life,” said Jose Valle, MD, pulmonologist, NCH Critical Care, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. “This technology gives us another option for patients who have not been successful with CPAP and are looking for a proven, alternative approach.” Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and is associated with serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By becoming the first in Florida to activate this bilateral nerve stimulation therapy, NCH continues to expand access to advanced, patient-centered treatments in Southwest Florida.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing leading-edge therapies to our community,” Dr. Valle said. “Patients no longer need to travel out of state to access this level of sleep apnea care.” Patients interested in learning whether they may be candidates for implantable sleep apnea therapy should speak with their sleep medicine provider or contact the NCH Pulmonary and Sleep Center at 239-624-8250.

About NCH
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is an advanced community healthcare system serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. A locally governed nonprofit, NCH has been recognized among America’s Top 50 hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence. It was also named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Modern Healthcare. The system includes NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital, with more than 700 beds and more than 750 physicians, along with medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida. NCH is the region’s only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and its cardiac care program ranks among the top three in the state.

NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available locally. With the largest provider network, urgent and immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH continues to advance the quality of care close to home. For more information, visit nchmd.org.