Dr. Aileen Kerns is an otolaryngologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders, and also a head and neck surgeon that performs salivary gland operations, thyroidectomies, and other procedures.
But it’s her work with sleep apnea patients, and new approaches that can aid those that suffer, that has her most excited. “We’ll soon be expanding sleep surgery options at Memorial, including Inspire therapy, which have life-changing potential for patients,” said Dr. Kerns.
For the Inspire treatment, Dr. Kerns implants a small device in the chest that, when turned on, stimulates the tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, ensuring normal breathing patterns. She does this in collaboration with sleep medicine specialists, believing the team approach is most beneficial for sleep apnea patients.
