Article

After cervical spinal cord injuries, many patients are unable to sustain
independent ventilation because of a disruption of diaphragm innervation and
respiratory functioning. If phrenic nerve function is preserved, the patient may
be able to tolerate exogenous pacing of the diaphragm via electrical stimulation.
Previously this was accomplished by stimulation directly to the phrenic nerves,
but may be accomplished less invasively by percutaneously stimulating the
diaphragm itself. The benefits, when compared with mechanical ventilation,
include a lower rate of pulmonary complications, improved venous return, more
normal breathing and speech, facilitation of eating, cost-effectiveness, and
increased patient mobility.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS