System Advantages

Avery provides an improved quality of life through VENT-FREE BREATHING

Advantages of Diaphragm Pacing Systems over ...
Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)

Diaphragm pacing provides respiratory function superior to mechanical ventilators since the inhaled air is drawn into the lungs by the diaphragm under negative pressure, rather than being forced into the chest under positive pressure. This is physiologically more accurate and comfortable for the patient. Pacing patients are at much lower risk of upper airway infections including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to the reduction in suctioning, elimination of external humidifier and ventilator circuits, and the potential removal of the tracheostomy tube in appropriate patients.

The Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker is small; and does not require the bulky tubing and batteries of mechanical ventilators, thereby greatly improving the patient’s mobility. The silent operation of a diaphragm pacing system greatly enhances the patient’s ability to participate in social and educational environments. Most patients strongly prefer pacing over mechanical ventilation for a variety of reasons such as normal breathing and speech patterns, ease of eating and drinking and improved sense of smell.

Bilateral Redundancy

Avery diaphragm pacing systems are designed with bilateral redundancy for superior safety. Each diaphragm is paced by its own receiver, electrode, and external transmitter output. This independence provides an extra margin of safety as there is no single failure point which could cause the entire system to stop working. These devices have also been subject to rigorous environmental and electromagnetic testing by independent laboratories to ensure safety and efficacy.

Financial Considerations

Our equipment is reimbursed by Medicare and many private and government insurance plans around the world. When applying to carriers for approval (or “prior approval”), it is important to explain that diaphragm pacing may pay for itself in less than a month by permitting discharge to a less costly environment. Diaphragm pacemakers generally cost less than $1,000 per year in disposable supplies (antennas, batteries, etc.) to operate, which is substantially less than the rental fees and disposable supplies associated with a mechanical ventilator. On average, a diaphragm pacing system will pay for itself in roughly two years and save over $20,000 per year thereafter.

The Avery Device Advantages

Unlike other systems, the Avery transmitter is entirely self-contained and does not require a complicated external programmer to configure it. End user controls allow patients and their caregivers the flexibility to adjust the system as needed. They also use standard alkaline batteries which are readily available worldwide.

Avery diaphragm pacing systems are not contraindicated for patients with cardiac pacemakers or other implanted medical devices.

Why Choose Avery?

Safety

Unsurpassed Record of
Safety and Reliability

Minimal Care

Reduced Risk of Infections, Hospitalizations
and No On-Going Wound Care

Mobility

Allows for
Greater Independence

Water Therapy

Shower, Bathe and
Participate in Water Therapy

For All Ages

FDA PMA Approval and
CE Marking EU Privileges

Bilateral Redundancy

Dual Redundant Design –
No Single-Point Failure

Lower Cost

Higher Quality with
Lower Cost of Care

Industry Leader

Medical Leader in Diaphragm Pacemakers
for Over 50 Years

Why Choose Avery?

Safety

Unsurpassed Record of Safety
and Reliability

Minimal Care

Reduced Risk of Infections, Hospitalizations and
No On-Going Wound Care

Mobility

Allows for
Greater Independence

Lower Cost

Higher Quality with
Lower Cost of Care

Bilateral Redundancy

Dual Redundant Design –
No Single-Point Failure

For All Ages

FDA PMA Approval and
CE Marking EU Privileges

Water Therapy

Shower, Bathe and Participate
in Water Therapy

Industry Leader

Medical Leader in Diaphragm Pacemakers for Over 50 Years

Find A Physician

For certain patients, the procedures can even be performed on an outpatient basis. For others, diaphragm pacing systems can be used in conjunction with intercostal or spinal accessory nerve grafting to restore diaphragm innervation and allow pacing in patients who otherwise would not be candidates.

The surgeon does not need specialized training in order to implant an Avery system, and no specialized equipment is required. Onsite technical assistance is provided at each surgery at no additional cost.