Abstract

Diaphragmatic pacing, also known as electrophrenic respiration or phrenic pacing has been used for quite some time in patients with respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic paralysis. We present a case of patient with respiratory insufficiency due to unilateral phrenic nerve injury as a result of radiation therapy for breast cancer. The patient had a diaphragmatic pacer inserted, with significant recovery on her symptoms. Three years after this procedure, the patient recovered her phrenic nerve function, and this was confirmed by nerve conduction study.

Keywords: Diaphragmatic pacing, respiratory failure, diaphragm paralysis