We’re one of just four NHS trusts in the country to install an implant around double the size of a 50p coin to treat sleep apnoea.

The condition means people stop breathing in their sleep, for up to ten seconds at a time in the most severe of cases.

With the small device called the Inspire implant, patients who cannot tolerate wearing a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can still be treated for the condition.

The device is installed in the chest wall where it does not need to be replaced or maintained for up to 11 years.

It works by acting like a pacemaker for the tongue. The implant senses when the tongue has blocked the airway and pulls it forward from the back of the throat to restore breathing.

Patients use a remote control to turn the device on each night and off again in the morning. They can also pause the treatment to get up during the night if needed.

We’ve carried out operations on three patients so far to install the implant.

Sleep surgeon and consultant Amro Hassaan, pictured, said sufferers have a higher risk of diabetes, stroke, hypertension and heart attacks so it is important to treat the condition as early as possible.

He added:

Sleep apnoea also has psychological effects too. Partners may not be able to sleep together in the same room because they may not like the CPAP machine.

We had one patient here at the Trust who was stopping breathing for up to ten seconds in his sleep, every minute or so.

It’s because his tongue was falling into his throat. We hope that things are now better for him.