As published in the journal Critical Care and Shock, a physician from Corpus Christi, Texas provides an interesting case report for unilateral pacing of the diaphragm.

"Mechanical ventilation has always been a cornerstone of respiratory support for patients with respiratory muscle paralysis. In selected patients, diaphragm pacing (DP) through electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerves provides an alternative to mechanical ventilation with significant advantages in life quality. We report an interesting case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in which unilateral diaphragmatic pacing produced significant improvement in quality of life. "

"A 60 year-old Caucasian female presented with complaints of progressively worsening shortening of breath for three months. The dyspnea was insidious in onset and progressive. Her dyspnea on exertion was only few feet...Her course was complicated by a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, after she presented with complaints of back pain. Thereafter, she underwent palliative radiation therapy and chemotherapy with poor response."

"This was followed by a nerve conduction study and electromyography of both phrenic nerves. On nerve conduction study the right phrenic nerve did not respond to transcutaneous stimulation. Afterwards, the patient underwent a successful placement of a right diaphragmatic pacemaker. Her symptoms rapidly abated."

"Our patient became fully functional after the pacemaker was inserted. Since her pacemaker was inserted, her dyspnea has resolved and she can now walk long distances without dyspnea."

Surani SR, Afzal A, Ayala EE, Varon J. "Unilateral Diaphragm Pacing: An Innovative Solution for Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis" Critical Care & Shock; pp 108-1105, E-Pub May 2008.