Carl used to wake up in the morning “still tired, groggy and feeling fuzzy”. He discussed his experiences with his daughter, Tracey, and described feeling like he “had not slept at all”. Consultations with doctors did not result in any clear indication as to what was causing this problem.
Tracey’s son, Cash, has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and is implanted with the Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker. She reached out to Avery in hope that Carl might also benefit from a pacing system himself.
Carl was referred to Dr. Don Headley, an otolaryngologist at St. Joseph’s hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. After various diagnostic tests, it was confirmed that Carl has adult-onset Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), indicating that he could be a good candidate for diaphragm pacing. In March 2016, he was implanted cervically with the Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker.
Today, Carl is reaping the benefits of a drastically improved sleep cycle from diaphragm pacing and has the energy to enjoy sports like jet skiing with his family.
Source: ABD-PP-007, Rev C 12/2020
The Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker is an implanted phrenic nerve or diaphragm stimulator. It consists of surgically implanted electrodes and receivers with an external transmitter and antennas.
It can be implanted either cervically or thoracically using minimally-invasive techniques such as video-assisted (VATS) or thorascopic approaches.
The Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker is the only diaphragm pacing system to have full premarket approval (PMA) from the US FDA and CE Marking privileges under the European Active Implantable Medical Device Directive for adult and pediatric use.
In addition, using small implanted radiofrequency receivers rather than electrode wires that pass directly through the skin may decrease a patient’s risk of infection and ongoing wound care management issues.
Avery has been commercially distributing Diaphragm Pacemakers since the early 1970’s. Since then, more than 2,000 patients have been implanted in over 40 countries establishing an unsurpassed record of safety and reliability. Due to their high reliability and cost effectiveness, the Avery pacers are reimbursed by Medicare and most private and government insurance around the world.
To learn more about the benefits of the Avery pacers for those with a high spinal cord injury, central sleep apnea or diaphragm paralysis, please contact us by mail, phone or through our website.
