Diaphragm Pacing for Ventilatory Insufficiency

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Abstract
Prolonged ventilatory support by phrenic nerve stimula tion (diaphragm pacing) has been developed into a use ful therapeutic technique over the past two decades. The benefits of diaphragm pacing to patients with respi ratory insufficiency resulting from central alveolar hy poventilation, and respiratory paralysis associated with quadriplegia, have led physicians to consider diaphragm pacing in patients with respiratory insufficiency who are dependent on ventilatory support. Some of these pa tients are initially seen in the intensive care unit because of respiratory failure or arrest. We discuss the evaluation and selection of candidates for diaphragm pacing.