A new sleep apnea path at IU Health North

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

After struggling with CPAP therapy, Dave Ennis sought care at IU Health North and discovered a new option for treating his sleep apnea. Following the first successful Genio implant procedure in Indiana, he is already experiencing improved sleep and renewed energy.

Dave Ennis is a husband, father and operations director for a local school system. When sleep apnea began interrupting his rest, he knew he needed to explore solutions.

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This causes you to become sleep deprived because you get poor quality sleep and puts you at greater risk for accidents, high blood pressure, heart disease and other conditions.

Ennis first tried a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a device that uses a mask and hose to deliver steady, pressurized air to keep airways open. CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, for Ennis, it proved uncomfortable, and his sleep issues persisted.

“I’m a high-energy person to begin with, but there are times when you hit the wall,” Ennis says. “Working in the kid business, you need that energy.”

Exploring Other Options

Seeking alternatives, Ennis connected with Dr. Noah Parker, a head and neck surgeon at IU Health North who specializes in the surgical management of snoring and sleep apnea. Along with Dr. Sachin Shah, who specializes in sleep medicine, the duo use a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve optimal options for their patients.

Dr. Parker performed a scope and found that Ennis’s airways were constricted.

“There would’ve been a number of surgeries needed,” Ennis recalls. “What I appreciated about Dr. Parker as a surgeon is that he wasn’t just wanting to cut. He wanted to find the best option that worked for me specifically.”

A New Approach

During their discussion, Dr. Parker mentioned the Genio implant as a potential option. Genio is an FDA-approved, battery-free neurostimulation implant designed to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

“It works by activating the muscles in the throat to open the airway and improve breathing during sleep,” Dr. Parker explains. “It has been shown to improve daytime sleepiness, reduce snoring and lower sleep apnea severity scores.”

Ennis was intrigued.

“I did some research on it, and I liked that only one surgery was needed,” he says.

After weighing his options, Ennis decided to move forward with the implant.

A First in Indiana

In October 2025, Dr. Parker implanted the Genio device through a small incision under Ennis’s chin.

Dr. Parker is the first surgeon in Indiana to successfully place a Genio implant, a distinction he says reflects the importance of careful patient selection.

“Patients have a number of medical factors, surgical factors and personal preferences that go into the decision-making process for CPAP alternatives,” Dr. Parker says. “It’s important to help patients choose the right approach for their individual needs.”

Activation and Early Results

Following surgery, Ennis needed time to heal before the device could be activated.

“It’s important to allow the implant time to heal in place so a stable and consistent signal can pass to the nerve that activates the muscles responsible for opening the breathing passageway during sleep,” Dr. Parker explains.

In January, Ennis returned to IU Health North to activate the device. He now controls it through an app on his phone.

“It’s nowhere near as invasive as a CPAP machine,” Ennis says. “I’ve noticed an improvement, even in the short time I’ve had it. I’m looking forward to fine-tuning it to get it just right.”

More Options, Better Rest

For those experiencing sleep apnea, Dr. Parker emphasizes that there are multiple treatment paths available.

“We have both non-surgical and surgical options for patients, including surgeries of the throat and multiple neurostimulation options,” he says. “For patients who are appropriate candidates and desire neurostimulation, Genio is an excellent option.”

Now, Ennis is able to continue living his busy life, with better rest and renewed energy.

“The whole process has been very easy to go through, even for someone who is working,” Ennis says. “I love that there are options for people when CPAP isn’t working effectively. Kudos to the doctors and the IU Health team.”