Intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure from high spinal cord injuries

Description

Some people with high spinal cord injuries cannot breathe on their own (chronic respiratory failure) because the main muscle used for breathing (diaphragm) is paralysed. So, they need a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe. In this procedure, which involves keyhole abdominal surgery, electrodes are implanted into the diaphragm (intramuscular). Wires from the electrodes run under the skin and come out from the chest. They are connected to an external battery-operated electrical stimulation system which causes the diaphragm to contract as in normal breathing. The aim of the procedure is to stimulate and possibly strengthen the diaphragm, enabling people to breathe without a ventilator for periods of time and to improve their quality of life.