Diaphragm pacing allows children who are dependent on a traditional ventilator full-time to be free of positive-pressure ventilation during the day, allowing them mobility. Since the diaphragm pacer device is small, portable and does not require any tubes, it allows children to participate in school and other activities without being attached to the ventilator circuit.
For children who are ventilator dependent only during sleep, diaphragm pacing may permit removal of the tracheostomy tube.
About diaphragm pacing
The diaphragm pacing system is a lightweight, battery-powered electronic device that supports breathing, possibly eliminating the need of a traditional ventilator either part-time or full-time. The pacing system stimulates diaphragm contraction through electrodes that are surgically placed on the phrenic nerves. The phrenic nerve electrodes are stimulated by a small battery-operated control box (transmitter) that is worn outside the body. When the phrenic nerve electrodes are stimulated by the transmitter, air flows into the child’s lungs through the contraction of the diaphragm.
Diaphragm pacing improves quality of life by increasing daytime mobility or by permitting tracheostomy tube removal in children.