Patient Profiles - Pediatric Quadriplegia
| Nicolas |
Nicolas was born June 1993 in Rimini, Italy. He became a C1-C4 quadriplegic following a traffic accident at just 20 days old. Initially kept alive in an iron lung, Nicolas was transferred to the care of the University of Padua. There, he became one of the youngest patients implanted with a breathing pacemaker at the age of nine months.
Using the mobility afforded him by his breathing pacemaker, Nicolas is able to go for walks along the sea with his family. He and his family have traveled across Italy including trips to the zoo in Pistoia and the famed Tower of Pisa. Nicolas is currently attending elementary school.
| Terrence |
Terrence was just 8 years old when he became quadriplegic as the result of a hit-and-run accident. He was implanted with his breathing pacemaker approximately one year later.
Terrence is now 17, and enjoys writing poetry and being outdoors. He feels life is easier with the pacer, not having to worry about his circuit disconnecting and being able to bring up secretions on his own.
"When I am on the pacer, I am able to enjoy activities such as horseback riding and swimming. Before, someone would have to use a bag, or I would just not do them."
| Ryo |
In 1999, Ryo became quadriplegic following a traffic accident on his motorbike. With virtually no chance for recovery, he spent the next two years in the hospital attached to a mechanical ventilator.
In February 2001, Dr. Isao Morita implanted Ryo with a breathing pacemaker at the Fujita Health University in Toyoake. Four years after his accident, Ryo’s dream return home to live with his family came true.
Ryo is now 27 years old, and uses his breathing pacemaker 24 hours per day. His tracheostomy has been removed, and he regained the ability to eat and speak.
His lifestyle, and that of his family who no longer have to spend time in the hospital, has changed dramatically. He now dreams to travel to the United States and visit the Statue of Liberty.
| Abdou |
Abdou was just 15 years old when became quadriplegic in July 2006. After spending months in an intensive care unit, he was implanted with a breathing pacemaker by Dr. Ignacio González, a visiting neurosurgeon from Colombia.
Less than ten months after his accident, Abdou was pacing 24 hours per day. His caregivers report he is very comfortable and sure of himself. They are very happy that they move him in his wheelchair "anywhere he wants."
| Keith |
In 1996, Keith, an 18-year old diving and gymnastic enthusiast, suffered an accident on a trampoline which rendered him quadriplegic and ventilator dependent.
Preoperative EMGs indicated that his phrenic nerve function was lost, although these tests have a high degree of false negative readings. Direct stimulation performed intraoperatively confirmed the absence of phrenic nerve conduction, and intercostal nerve grafts were performed. Customized stimulus parameters for Keith's Mark IV transmitter were established by our personnel using a computer-assisted optimization technique.
Keith has now been pacing for over ten years, and currently uses his pacers 24 hours per day with tidal volumes in excess of 500 cc's. "It feels like I'm breathing on my own...just like I used to" he says. Keith is currently studying health and human development and after graduation hopes to work as a counselor.