Phrenic nerve stimulation is required when poor diaphragmatic function severely compromises respiratory function.
Generators are usually placed in the chest wall and wires are tunneled either into the chest or neck, where the electrode tip is placed next to the phrenic nerve. Pacing therefore requires an intact phrenic nerve.
Indications include:
- high spinal cord injury with no function of the phrenic nerves
- central sleep apnea (Ondine's curse)
- diaphragmatic paralysis
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