Stimulation for Inspiration

Abstract Mechanical ventilation (MV), although lifesaving, has significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. One of the primary causes of prolonged MV is diaphragm control abnormalities causing disuse atrophy. Diaphragm pacing (DP) allows diaphragm contraction leading to improved ventilation that can significantly overcome the adverse effects of positive pressure ventilation. DP has a role in replacing ventilators in spinal cord injury and delaying or decreasing ventilators in numerous other conditions.