South Side patient celebrates hospital’s first procedure to treat sleep apnea with Bulls VIP experiene

CHICAGO — Advocate Health Care partnered with the Chicago Bulls Friday to give a patient a VIP experience, celebrating the first of a surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea at Advocate Trinity Hospital.

Sherry Ann Nickerson was the first patient to receive the Inspire hypoglossal nerve implant by Dr. Max Plitt, a head & neck surgeon.

Inspire offers an alternative to CPAP for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and a BMI under 40. By gently stimulating tongue muscles during sleep, it helps keep the airway open and improves sleep quality.

Nickerson was connected with Plitt after she didn’t find success with a CPAP machine. She said she started doing her own research on alternatives and was grateful when she discovered she would be able to receive this specialty care so close to home.

"Dr. Plitt has a very caring manner and listened to everything I had to say," Nickerson said. "I am thankful I found him and appreciate everything he has done for me and is doing to expand care in our community. Don't be afraid to seek other alternatives such as Inspire if what you are using doesn't work for you.”

Nickerson had the procedure in July and is continuing to do well with the device.

The milestone expands access to innovative care for a community facing high rates of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity.

Inspire offers a surgical option for management of sleep apnea and its related health risks, aligning with our mission to improve access and offer innovative solutions to our patients on the South Side.

At Friday’s Chicago Bulls game against the Indiana Pacers, Nickerson enjoyed a special experience, gaining court access ahead of the game and high fiving players as they made their way onto the court before watching the game.