NSIBR |News | January 14, 2025
If you’ve ever struggled through sleepless nights or battled with cumbersome CPAP machines, there’s now new hope. The Nose and Sinus Institute of Boca Raton’s Dr. Melyssa Hancock, otolaryngology-head & neck surgeon has become a trailblazer in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. On March 2nd, 2023, she made history as the first surgeon in the world to implant a nerve stimulator designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with unique airway collapse patterns. This breakthrough marks a new era in sleep apnea treatment, offering potential relief for those who have found traditional methods inadequate.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes the airway to collapse during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing, snoring, and poor sleep quality. For many, this condition can lead to serious health complications, including fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Traditional treatments like CPAP machines, though effective for some, can be uncomfortable, difficult to maintain, and often disrupt daily life. These challenges have left many patients seeking a more permanent and effective solution for better sleep.
The groundbreaking Genio System sleep apnea implant stimulates the airway muscles to prevent them from collapsing during sleep. The device is surgically implanted under the skin and sends mild electrical impulses to the muscles controlling the airway. This nerve stimulation keeps the airway open for consistent airflow. The result? Easier breathing, better sleep quality, and a life free from the restrictions of traditional sleep apnea treatments. The implant offers patients a new lease on life by reducing their reliance on CPAP machines and significantly improving sleep quality.
As the first surgeon in the world to implant this groundbreaking nerve stimulator in December 2020, Dr. Hancock has truly set herself apart as a leader in the field. Then, in March 2023, she achieved another milestone by successfully using the implant on a patient whose airway issue was considered too complex for this type of treatment in the past. This achievement opens the door to a new world of possibilities for OSA sufferers who may have been excluded from conventional therapies.
Dr. Hancock’s accomplishments extend beyond her surgical skills. She embodies empowerment and representation in the medical field as one of only two female surgeons among more than 20 principal investigators in the study. Additionally, her unique status as the sole double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the group speaks volumes about the level of care and precision her patients can expect.
It means better treatment options! Especially for those who found very little relief with traditional treatments such as CPAP therapy. It is a more comfortable, convenient solution that truly enhances the quality of sleep and life. The nerve stimulator enables patients to sleep better, breathe easier, and wake up refreshed, without the hassle of a CPAP machine.
