Clinical Information

Implantation Procedure for NeuRx® Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS)

During minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon creates four dime-sized holes in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to examine the diaphragm muscle. The surgeon then places small electrodes in areas near the phrenic nerves that control diaphragm contractions.

The electrodes are tunneled under the skin to a pre-determined exit site. The electrodes connect to the small battery-powered external pulse generator (EPG) that stimulates the muscle and the phrenic nerves to cause the contraction of the diaphragm.

Post Procedure Process

After surgery, the EPG is programmed by your doctor to provide the necessary stimulation to condition the diaphragm. Your doctor will provide you with a conditioning schedule. Patients and their caregivers are trained on the care and use of the NeuRx® EPG.

Conditioning for ALS Patients

For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients with chronic hypoventilation, the NeuRx DPS® conditions the diaphragm. When your diaphragm is conditioned, it will do a better job of helping you breathe.

Conditioning for SCI Patients

Because the diaphragm of an SCI patient can weaken while on a ventilator, the patient often begins using the NeuRx DPS® to breathe for short periods of time. As the condition of the diaphragm improves, NeuRx DPS® conditioning sessions gradually increase and therefore extend the amount of time spent off the ventilator.

Additional Procedure Information

Take a look at our FAQ section for more about the procedure, or feel free to contact us directly about the NeuRx DPS® implantation procedure.