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Suggest Treatment For Breathing Difficulty While Having Phrenic Nerve Damage

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Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Question: husband's phrenic nerve damaged during bypass surgery. affected diaphram. had plication surgery. breathing is getting worse. can anything be done for him? XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Diaphragm pacing?

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Phrenic nerve damage and its consequences are difficult to treat.

If the paralysis of diaphragm and phrenic nerve damage was unilateral, treatment consists on preventing any pulmonary infection/ dysfunction, and respiratory physical therapy.

Surgical plication of affected diaphragm also helps in respiratory function improvement.

If there is a bilateral diaphragm paralysis and phrenic nerve damage, mechanical ventilation is considered first if breathing starts to be compromised.

Diaphragm (or phrenic nerve) pacing is a possibility in selected patients.

Discuss with your husband's Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Breathing Difficulty While Having Phrenic Nerve Damage

Brief Answer: Diaphragm pacing? Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Phrenic nerve damage and its consequences are difficult to treat. If the paralysis of diaphragm and phrenic nerve damage was unilateral, treatment consists on preventing any pulmonary infection/ dysfunction, and respiratory physical therapy. Surgical plication of affected diaphragm also helps in respiratory function improvement. If there is a bilateral diaphragm paralysis and phrenic nerve damage, mechanical ventilation is considered first if breathing starts to be compromised. Diaphragm (or phrenic nerve) pacing is a possibility in selected patients. Discuss with your husband's Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.