PHRENIC NERVE RECONSTRUCTION WITH SHORT-TERM DIAPHRAGM PACING CORRECTS DIAPHRAGM PARALYSIS DUE TO INTRATHORACIC NERVE INJURY

Symptomatic diaphragm paralysis and subsequent pulmonary debilitation has been shown to occur following phrenic nerve injury within the thoracic cavity. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of intrathoracic reconstruction of the phrenic nerve combined with short-term diaphragm pacing in restoring diaphragm function. A retrospective review of 34 consecutive patients who underwent intrathoracic phrenic nerve reconstruction and diaphragm pacing for symptomatic diaphragm paralysis was performed. Inclusion criteria included confirmation of diaphragm paralysis on chest fluoroscopy, BMI