Demand - diaphragmatic pacing (skeletal muscle pressure modified)

An apparatus to innervate diaphragms synchronously and to permit variation of the respiratory rate and duration in accordance with demand. The apparatus includes a sensor to sense skeletal muscle contraction and to produce a signal representative of the rate and intensity of muscle contraction at onset of inspiration. The signal can be modified in accordance with a predetermined pattern to provide a modified signal that is representative of a desired rate and duration of diaphragmatic contraction. A pulse generator is fed by the modified signal to produce a pulse. A stimulator is adapted to innervate the deinnervated lung diaphragms upon application of the pulse. A method of operating the apparatus to innervate both diaphragms is also disclosed.