• T Mitsuyama, T Taira, N Takeda, and T Hori.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
• Acta Neurochir. Suppl. 2003 Jan 1; 87: 89-92.

BackgroundDiaphragm pacing with electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve is an established treatment for central hypoventilation syndrome. The device, however, is not readily available, at least, in Japan. We applied the spinal cord stimulator for pain control to phrenic nerve stimulation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of phrenic pacing with the compromise method.Method And PatientsWe implanted a spinal cord stimulator in five patients with chronic central hypoventilation. The stimulation electrode was placed along the phrenic nerve in the neck, and the device was implanted in the anterior chest. We used the cyclic mode, and set the parameters at 1 second ramp up, 2 seconds on, 3 seconds off. The pulse width and the frequency were set at 150 microsec and 21 Hz respectively. The amplitude was adjusted to obtain sufficient tidal volume and to maintain PaCO2 at around 40 mmHg.FindingsDuring the follow-up period from 3 to 34 months (mean 23), stable and sufficient ventilation were observed in all patients without complications.InterpretationAlthough longer follow-up is necessary, diaphragm pacing with the spinal cord stimulator is feasible for treatment of central hypoventilation syndrome.

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