Phrenic nerve pacing in two young quadriplegic ventilator-dependent patients
Campbell, D.A.; Homan, S.D.; McCulloch, G.A.; Stern, L.M.; Leckie, W.J.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 22(5): 463-468
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8291 PMID: 1445036 Document Number: 393983
Patients who survive high cervical injury are usually dependent on mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy if the lesion above C3 is complete. We report our experience with phrenic nerve pacing (PNP) to achieve ventilator-independence in two young quadriplegic patients. A diaphragm conditioning programme, and combination of low frequency electrophrenic stimulation within each inspiratory burst and low breathing frequency enabled both patients initially to achieve continuous 24 hour ventilation independent of mechanical ventilation. One patient reverted to overnight mechanical ventilation (six hours) after three years. PNP should be considered in ventilator dependent patients with high cervical injury to achieve independence and improve quality of life.