News

Diaphragm Pacing in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A European Experience

Peter J. Wijkstra, Hans van der Aa, H. Sijbrand Hofker, Francesco Curto, Matteo Giacominic, Giuliana Stagnic Maria Asuncion Dura Agullo, Francesc Xavier Curià Casanovese, Jesús Benito-Penalvae, Carlos Martinez-Barenyse, Joan Vidale. Abstract Background: Patients with high spinal cord injury (SCI) are unable to breathe on their own and require mechanical ventilation (MV). The long-term use of MV is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In patients with intact phrenic nerve function, patients can be partially or completely removed from MV by directly stimulating the diaphragm motor points with a diaphragm pacing system (DPS).

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Diaphragm Pacing and a Model for Respiratory Rehabilitation After Spinal Cord Injury

Kathryn CavkaDavid D FullerGeneva TonuziEmily J Fox. Abstract Background: This article discusses the rationale for consideration of DP as a rehabilitative strategy, particularly when used in combination with established respiratory interventions.

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Diaphragm Pacing: A Safety, Appropriateness, Financial Neutrality, and Efficacy Analysis of Treating Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency

Curren E GibersonSamuel H CheshierLawrence R PoreeMichael F Saulino. Abstract Background: Diaphragm pacing should be given more consideration in appropriately selected patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency.

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Synapse Biomedical Wins New Approval for Diaphragm Pacing System to Free Patients from Ventilators

Ruling will make device more affordable and accessible for those with spinal cord injuries.

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Diaphragm pacing in spinal cord injury can significantly decrease mechanical ventilation in multicenter prospective evaluation

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Long-Term Follow-up of Individuals With Ventilator-Dependent High Tetraplegia Managed With Diaphragmatic Pacing Systems

Kimberley R. Monden PhD, Jennifer Coker MPH, Susan Charlifue PhD, Stephanie J. Bennett BS, Christina Draganich DO, David Coons MD, Jeffrey Berliner DO. Abstract Background: Participants completed self-report questionnaires focused on their DPS usage and mechanical ventilation, as well as their experiences and satisfaction with the DPS.

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Diaphragm Pacing Improves Respiratory Mechanics in Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Kerwin AJ, Zuniga YD, Yorkgitis BK, Mull J, Hsu AT, Madbak FG, Ebler DJ, Skarupa DJ, Shiber JR, Crandall ML. Abstract Background: The DPS implantation in acute CSCI patients produces significant improvements in spontaneous Vt and reduces time to liberation from mechanical ventilation.

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Diaphragm Pacing Decreases Hospital Charges for Patients With Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Kerwin AJ, Diaz Zuniga Y, Yorkgitis BK, Mull J, Hsu AT, Madbak FG, Ebler DJ, Skarupa DJ, Shiber J, Crandall ML. Abstract Background: Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is devastating and costly. Previous research has demonstrated that diaphragm pacing (DPS) is safe and improves respiratory mechanics. This may decrease hospital stays, vent days, and costs. We hypothesized DPS implantation would facilitate liberation from ventilation and would impact hospital charges.

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Prospective Analysis of a Surgical Algorithm To Achieve Ventilator Weaning in Cervical Tetraplegia

Matthew R. Kaufman, Thomas Bauer, Stuart Campbell, Kristie Rossi, Andrew Elkwood & Reza Jarrahy. Abstract Background: Chronic ventilator dependency in cervical tetraplegia is associated with substantial morbidity. When non-invasive weaning methods have failed the primary surgical treatment is diaphragm pacing.

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Use of Diaphragm Pacing in the Management of Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Kerwin AJ, Yorkgitis BK, Ebler DJ, Madbak FG, Hsu AT, Crandall ML. Abstract Background: Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is devastating. Respiratory failure, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), sepsis, and death frequently occur. Case reports of diaphragm pacing system (DPS) have suggested earlier liberation from mechanical ventilation in acute CSCI patients. We hypothesized DPS implantation would decrease VAP and facilitate liberation from ventilation.

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Long-Term Experience With Diaphragm Pacing for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Early Implantation Should Be Considered

Onders RP, Elmo M, Kaplan C, Schilz R, Katirji B, and Tinkoff G. Abstract Background: Cervical spinal cord injury can result in catastrophic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. Diaphragm pacing was developed to replace/decrease mechanical ventilation. We report the largest long-term results in traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

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Intramuscular Diaphragmatic Stimulation for Patients With Traumatic High Cervical Injuries and Ventilator-Dependent Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review of Safety and Effectiveness

Garara B, Wood A, Marcus HJ, Tsang K, Wilson MH, and Khan M. Abstract Background: Intramuscular diaphragmatic stimulation using an abdominal laparoscopic approach has been proposed as a safer alternative to traditional phrenic nerve stimulation. It has also been suggested that early implementation of diaphragmatic pacing may prevent diaphragm atrophy and lead to earlier ventilator independence.

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Diaphragmatic Reinnervation in Ventilator-Dependent Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury and Concomitant Phrenic Nerve Lesions Using Simultaneous Nerve Transfers and Implantable Neurostimulators

Kaufman, M.R., et al., Abstract Background: Patients who are ventilator dependent as a result of combined cervical spinal cord injury and phrenic nerve lesions are generally considered to be unsuitable candidates for diaphragmatic pacing due to loss of phrenic nerve integrity and denervation of the diaphragm.

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Multicenter Review of Diaphragm Pacing in Spinal Cord Injury: Successful Not Only in Weaning From Ventilators but Also in Bridging To Independent Respiration

Posluszny JA, Jr., Onders R, Kerwin AJ, Weinstein MS, Stein DM, Knight J, Lottenberg L, Cheatham ML, Khansarinia S, Dayal S, Byers PM and Diebel L. Abstract Background: Ventilator-dependent spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients require significant resources related to ventilator dependence. Diaphragm pacing (DP) has been shown to successfully replace mechanical ventilators for chronic ventilator-dependent tetraplegics. Early use of DP following SCI has not been described. Here, we report our multicenter review experience with the use of DP in the initial hospitalization after SCI.

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Multicenter Analysis of Diaphragm Pacing in Tetraplegics With Cardiac Pacemakers: Positive Implications for Ventilator Weaning in Intensive Care Units

Onders, R.P., et al., Background Abstract: Diaphragm pacing (DP) can replace mechanical ventilation in tetraplegics and in trials has assisted respiration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. This report describes the results of DP in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

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First Reported Experience With Intramuscular Diaphragm Pacing in Replacing Positive Pressure Mechanical Ventilators in Children

Onders RP, Ponsky TA, Elmo M, Lidsky K, Barksdale E. Background Abstract: Diaphragm pacing (DP) has been shown to successfully replace mechanical ventilators for adult tetraplegic patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. This is the first report of DP in ventilator-dependent children.

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Liberating Tetraplegics From Mechanical Ventilation Using Motor Point Diaphragm Pacing

Onders, R.P., et al., Abstract Background: Patients with high spinal cord injury(SCI) face death or life with mechanical ventilation. Ventilators, although life-saving, are inconvenient and associated with significant risks. This report outlines a single institution experience with the diaphragm pacing stimulation (DPS) system since the first implantation 7 years ago.

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