The spine is one of the most vital parts of the human body. Made up of hard, sturdy vertebrae that enclose the spinal cord, this structure not only supports the body, but also encases the nerves that allow the brain and body to communicate so that the body may function. Quadriplegia, also known as [...]
What is Phrenic Nerve Pacing? Phrenic nerve pacing, also known as diaphragm pacing, is the sending of electric impulses to the diaphragm, resulting in respiration for otherwise ventilator dependent patients. Phrenic nerve pacing with the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System typically benefits clients due to: Increased mobility Lower infection rates Increased ease of eating and [...]
For most people, the simple action of taking a breath involves little-to-no thought. Breathing is an involuntary reflex, an action that is taken for granted by billions of people worldwide, but essential to our existence. But for those afflicted with conditions such as quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), central sleep apnea, or [...]
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleeping and resting hours. This sleep disorder can either be present from birth, which is known as Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), or be acquired later in life. Central Sleep Apnea functions very differently than Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea [...]
Living with CCHS Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a life-long disease. There is no known cure and treatment depends on its severity. Living with CCHS means living with respiratory support. All CCHS patients need ventilator support when they sleep. An estimated one third of patients currently require around–the-clock support. Mechanical Ventilator Support and [...]
What is CCHS? Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder of respiratory control. Patients with CCHS have difficulty breathing because the part of their brain that controls respiratory function is impaired, which results in the brain not telling the body how fast or how deep to breathe. Once a patient is diagnosed [...]
Understanding Diaphragm Paralysis and What Can Be Done The diaphragm is a muscle crucial for breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, suction is created that draws air into the lungs. Air is exhaled as the diaphragm relaxes, in combination with other muscles and tissues. When the diaphragm is not working properly, respiratory issues may occur. [...]
This article deals with damage to the phrenic nerve as well as treatment options. To skip directly to the treatment options, please click here. The phrenic nerve may not be something you have heard of before, but as you read this, it is keeping you alive. This nerve controls the diaphragm muscle, which controls [...]
Since the early 1970’s, Avery Biomedical Devices has implanted over 2,000 diaphragm pacing systems in patients world-wide. The device provides ventilator support for patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency whose diaphragm, lungs and phrenic nerves have residual function. Diaphragm Pacing with the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System also provides many benefits compared to mechanical ventilation (Positive Pressure [...]
This Friday, July 4th, marks the 75th year of Lou Gehrig’s iconic farewell speech when he stepped away from the game of baseball because of his struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). At the time of the address in 1939, the disease was not understood nearly as well as it is today. Gehrig brought [...]
