Diaphragmatic (phrenic) pacemaker

[Guest guest]

Did I ever mention that I have a phrenic pacemaker?  The pacer stimulates the

phrenic nerve and causes the diaphragm to contract thus causing air the be

inspired.  I got it in 1979 when they thought I would remain on the vent.  It

was experimental for neuromusclar patients.  At the time, I got the implant on

the right side and it would last up to 12 hours in a 24 hour period. So the plan

was to use the pacer during the day and use the vent at night.

 

I actually was completely weaned from the vent to every ones surprise but I

still have the implant in case I need it.  We turn it on every now and then to

see if it still works (it does).  The external device runs on a 9 volt battery.

 

Anyway, I do not know of it's use in neuromusclar patients these days but if it

sounds interesting to some of you, you could talk to your neurologist.  I had my

implant placed at NYU Hospital.

 

Lori