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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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An Implantable System For Chronic In Vivo Electromyography
Published on: April 21, 2020
Respiratory muscle pacing with chronically implanted intramuscular Permaloc electrodes: A feasibility study
James S Walter1, Robert D Wurster, Qianlong Zhu
1Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Research Service (151), Roosevelt and First Ave, Hines, IL 60141, USA. James.Walter@va.gov
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|April 12, 2011
Summary
This study explored stimulating respiratory muscles using implanted electrodes in dogs. Chronic electrode implantation in diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominal muscles successfully increased tidal volumes, offering potential for respiratory support.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Diaphragmatic pacing is a known method for respiratory support.
- Limited research exists on stimulating multiple respiratory muscles simultaneously for enhanced ventilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using chronically implanted intramuscular electrodes to stimulate diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominal muscles.
- To quantify the tidal volumes achieved through combined and individual muscle group stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral intramuscular electrodes were implanted in diaphragm, upper-intercostal, and abdominal muscles of six dogs during survival surgeries.
- Electrical stimulation parameters were applied to individual and combined muscle groups.
- Tidal volumes were measured during different stimulation configurations.
Main Results:
- Stimulating diaphragm and intercostal muscles increased inhaled tidal volume to 389 +/- 39 mL.
- Adding abdominal muscle stimulation further increased exhaled volume to 472 +/- 54 mL.
- Chronic intramuscular electrodes demonstrated the ability to increase tidal volumes beyond diaphragm stimulation alone.
Conclusions:
- Chronic intramuscular electrode implantation in multiple respiratory muscles is feasible.
- Combined stimulation of diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominal muscles significantly enhances ventilation.
- This approach holds promise for improving respiratory support strategies.
