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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:43
Functional and Morphological Assessment of Diaphragm Innervation by Phrenic Motor Neurons
Published on: May 25, 2015
Diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscle stimulation using intramuscular electrodes
R B Dunn1, J S Walter, J Walsh
1Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, VA Hines Hospital, IL 60141, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Electrical stimulation of respiratory muscles using intramuscular electrodes shows promise for electrogenic ventilation. Combining diaphragm and thoracic stimulation enhances tidal volumes, suggesting improved systems for conditions like quadriplegia.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Electrical stimulation of respiratory muscles is a potential method for assisting ventilation.
- Intramuscular electrodes offer a minimally invasive approach for delivering electrical stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular electrodes for stimulating respiratory muscles.
- To assess the impact of diaphragm and thoracic electrical stimulation on tidal volumes.
Main Methods:
- Acute anesthetized dogs were used with suture-type intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm and needle electrodes in intercostal regions.
- Electrical stimulation was applied to the diaphragm, thoracic electrodes, or both during apnea.
- Thoracic expansion and tidal volumes were measured as indicators of inspiratory effort.
Main Results:
- Diaphragm stimulation alone increased tidal volumes by 104%–180% compared to spontaneous breathing.
- Thoracic electrode stimulation induced chest expansion.
- Combined diaphragm and thoracic stimulation significantly increased tidal volumes (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular electrodes are a feasible method for long-term electrogenic ventilation.
- Thoracic support combined with diaphragm pacing may lead to more effective, fatigue-resistant systems for quadriplegics.
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