About this site. Sleep Apnea Implant is the personal educational project of Ryan Nord, MD. It is independent of, and not endorsed by or affiliated with, VCU Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, or any other employer. Mention of Dr. Nord’s VCU role describes his employment; it does not imply institutional sponsorship of this site or its content. For VCU Health patient appointments, contact VCU Health directly through their official channels.
About Dr. Nord
Board-certified otolaryngologist and nationally recognized leader in sleep surgery and hypoglossal nerve stimulation
A Personal Introduction
Meet Dr. Ryan Nord
A short introduction for patients considering hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy.
Ryan S. Nord, MD
Associate Professor & Director of Sleep Surgery
Dr. Ryan Nord is a board-certified otolaryngologist and Associate Professor and Director of Sleep Surgery in Richmond, Virginia. He has built one of the most experienced hypoglossal nerve stimulation programs on the East Coast, performing over 500 Inspire implants and serving as a clinical investigator for Nyxoah's Genio system.
His expertise centers on the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, with a particular focus on upper airway stimulation for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. He is one of a select group of surgeons in the country who implants both FDA-approved hypoglossal nerve stimulators—Inspire and Genio—giving his patients access to the full range of advanced treatment options.
Dr. Nord earned his MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine with a distinction in research in Otolaryngology, and completed residency training in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at University Hospitals at Case Western Reserve University. He also holds a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University.
Areas of Expertise
Specialized surgical care for obstructive sleep apnea with a collaborative, patient-centered approach
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
Among the most experienced HNS surgeons nationally, implanting both Inspire and Genio systems with outcomes-driven patient selection and follow-up.
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy
National expert in DISE evaluation, serving as a reviewer and second-opinion provider for programs across the US and Europe.
Upper Airway Surgery
Full spectrum of sleep surgery including barbed reposition pharyngoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, and palatal procedures.
Multidisciplinary Sleep Care
Leads a Multidisciplinary Sleep Apnea Clinic, bringing together specialists across disciplines for comprehensive, team-based care.
Clinical Research
Principal investigator for the Genio FDA trial and the ADHERE UAS Registry, contributing to the evidence base that shapes treatment guidelines.
Education & Mentorship
Mentors 30+ medical students and residents, co-directs the national Excellence in UAS course, and lectures internationally on sleep surgery.
Education & Training
Education
Training & Certification
Recognition & Awards
J. Catesby Ware, PhD Physician Award
Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2023 — Recognizing sustained leadership and outstanding contributions to sleep medicine
Clinical Excellence Award
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2020
Best Bedside Manner
Richmond Magazine, 2019
Top 10% Most Cited Publication (2023)
Respiratory Sensing Lead Malfunction in UAS — Laryngoscope, 2024
8 First-Place Research Awards
Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine, Virginia Society of Otolaryngology (2019–2025)
Physician of Excellence for HNS
Inspire Medical Systems, 2019–Present
Select Publications
Peer-reviewed research advancing the science of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and sleep surgery
- Adibi I, Nayak A, Saeedi A, Yu K, Bentan M, Nord RS. Impact of nasal pathology on efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea. The Laryngoscope. 2025;135(9):3433–3440.
- Bentan MA, Nord R. Comprehensive analysis of adverse events associated with hypoglossal nerve stimulators: insights from the MAUDE database. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024.
- Islam AS, Pingree G, Chafin A, Fitzpatrick TH, Nord RS. Respiratory sensing lead malfunction in upper airway stimulation: a single institution report. Laryngoscope. 2024;134(3):1479–1484.
- Nord RS, Fitzpatrick T, Pingree G, Islam A, Chafin A. Should lateral wall collapse be a contraindication for hypoglossal nerve stimulation? Am J Otolaryngol. 2023;45(1):104053.
- Nord R, Fitzpatrick T, DeShazo JP, Reiter ER. Comparison of readmission and complication rates between traditional sleep surgery and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(5):1659–1666.
- Nord R, DeShazo JP, Grenda T, et al. Pneumothorax during upper airway stimulation: Does experience make a difference? Am J Otolaryngol. 2022;43(5):103577.
- Ali NS, Fitzpatrick TH, Islam AS, Nord RS. Mitigating infection risk in upper airway stimulation. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2024;133(3):277–283.
- Dzierzewski JM, Soto P, Vahidi N, Nord R. Clinical characteristics of older adults seeking hypoglossal nerve stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Ear Nose Throat J. 2024;103(2):NP118–NP123.
Professional Memberships
National & International
Regional & Editorial
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Dr. Nord sees patients in Richmond, Virginia, with referrals accepted statewide and beyond.
Disclosures
Dr. Nord has served as a consultant or received research support from the following companies—Inspire Medical Systems, Nyxoah, LivaNova and Avivomed. All content on this website has been produced without bias to the best of my ability. There has been no industry support or input into any of the content.
Contact Dr. Nord
