[Electrostimulation of the phrenic nerve in dogs]

Respiratory parameters have been studied by electrical stimulation of phrenic nerves (EPN) in 12 dogs. The optimal parameters of an electrical stimulus were found for long-term EPN. EPN increased minute respiratory volume, when respiratory rate raised to 18 per min, and decreased, when respiratory rate diminished to 6 per min. Another parameter--oxygen utilization index--diminished at high respiratory rate and increased at low one, which reflected hyper- or hypoventilation status, respectively. The data obtained indicate that controlled lung ventilation may maintain living status of dogs for a long time without alteration of general respiratory parameters.