Critical Care and Shock

Unilateral Diaphragmatic Pacing: An Innovative Solution for Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation has always been a cornerstone of respiratory support for patients with respiratory muscle paralysis. In selected patients, diaphragm pacing (DP) through electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerves provides an alternative to mechanical ventilation with signifi cant advantages in life quality. We report an interesting case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in which unilateral diaphragmatic pacing produced signifi cant improvement in quality of life.