Long Term Recovery of Diaphragmatic Function in a Patient with Unilateral Diaphragmatic Pacemaker

Salim      Surani; Eva   Elizabeth   Ayala; Myriah      McMillan; Elizabeth      Sablonte; Pilar      Acosta

Abstract

Diaphragmatic pacing, also known as electrophrenic respiration or phrenic pacing has been used for quite some time in patients with respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic paralysis. We present a case of patient with respiratory insufficiency due to unilateral phrenic nerve injury as a result of radiation therapy for breast cancer. The patient had a diaphragmatic pacer inserted, with significant recovery on her symptoms. Three years after this procedure, the patient recovered her phrenic nerve function, and this was confirmed by nerve conduction study.

Keywords: Diaphragmatic pacing, respiratory failure, diaphragm paralysis

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