WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Dr. Michael Drucker, a cardiac electrophysiologist with the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute, has reached a significant milestone, completing his 100th implantable device procedure to treat central sleep apnea at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.
Central sleep apnea, a rare condition affecting less than 1% of adults, disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate breathing during sleep. Symptoms include pauses in breathing, sudden awakenings and excessive daytime fatigue. Left untreated, central sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues including heart failure and stroke.
To address this condition, an innovative implantable device, the remedē® System, acts like a pacemaker for the diaphragm — the muscle responsible for breathing. When a patient stops breathing during sleep, the device sends a signal to the diaphragm, prompting it to start working again so normal breathing resumes.
Dr. Drucker played a pivotal role in the initial clinical research for the remedē® System, developed by Respicardia Inc., and has since performed more of these procedures than any other physician in the country. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center was the first hospital in the Southeast — and the first nonacademic medical center in the U.S. to offer this treatment, according to Respicardia Inc.
"Central sleep apnea is a condition that often goes undiagnosed, leaving patients feeling like there’s no solution,” said Drucker. “This device has been life-changing for so many, helping to restore safe, high-quality sleep and giving patients back their energy, health and a renewed sense of hope for the future.”
It is important to note that the device is specifically for central sleep apnea, which differs from the more common obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, affecting more than 80 million Americans, is caused by a physical blockage in the upper airway and is typically treated with a CPAP machine. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, stems from the brain’s inability to send proper signals to the breathing muscles, leading to disrupted sleep and potential cardiovascular risks.
The remedē® procedure involves placing a small device in the patient’s right clavicle. After a brief calibration period, the device is activated and automatically supports breathing during sleep. The procedure is covered by most insurance plans.
Novant Health is a trusted leader in diagnosing and treating sleep conditions for patients of all ages. To learn more about Novant Health’s comprehensive sleep services, visit NovantHealth.org/services/Sleep-Health.
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About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, nearly 800 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our nearly 44,000 team members along with more than 9,100 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
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