The electrophrenic diaphragm pacemaker was implanted bilaterally in a patient with apnea due to high cervical fracture and dislocation. Initially, the phrenic nerves were stimulated during 3-minute periods hourly, the PaO2, PaCO2, tidal volume,
minutes
volume being measured at the beginning and end of each period, Pacing was then gradually increases. The patient's respiration was controlled by the electrophrenic diaphragm pacemaker for up to 30minutes without mechanical ventilatory support.
It is possible that respiratory paralysis associated with quadriplegia has become partially or totally independent of conventional respirator treatment which limits the patient to hospital care, Since completely safe and reliable apnea alarm
systems are
lacking, quadriplegic patient still requires continuous supervision. However the patient will be able to leave the hospital and perform a more active life, and the care has become easier and less expensive, Further improvement of the technique
and
equipment may add to the beneficial effects of electrophrenic diaphragm pacemaker.
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