Northwestern Medicine Diaphragm Pacing Program
We offer diaphragm pacing, an innovative solution for people with a weak or paralyzed diaphragm. This method may help you breathe, talk and enjoy a better quality of life.
About Us
Our goal is to help you live more comfortably and independently. Diaphragm pacing may help you breathe more easily, and it may reduce how much you need breathing devices.
With diaphragm pacing, a battery-powered system uses electricity to stimulate the muscles and nerves in your diaphragm. The electrical currents make your diaphragm contract, pulling air into your lungs to help you breathe.
We offer several different diaphragm pacing systems. If diaphragm pacing systems are not the right fit for you, we offer other options:
- Diaphragmatic plication: This surgery moves or reshapes your diaphragm to increase your lung capacity. This can help you breathe more easily.
- Phrenic nerve transfer: The phrenic nerves control your diaphragm muscle, helping you breathe. This surgery can reverse damage to your phrenic nerves that makes it hard to breathe.
Meet The Team
At Canning Thoracic Institute, you have access to outstanding lung and chest care from a team committed to achieving superior results for you.
Conditions
We treat diaphragm disorders including:
- Central Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome
- Parsonage-Turner syndrome, also called brachial neuritis
Tests
Our experts will assess how strong your diaphragm is and how well it works. Then they will talk with you about the results, your health and your goals.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Six-minute walking test
- Spirometry
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Nationally recognized in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12)
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