Nakajima K, Sharkey P C
Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 1990;54-55:233-6. doi: 10.1159/000100218.
We implanted electrophrenic respiration (EPR) units in 15 apneic quadriplegic patients with brain stem or high cervical cord injury. 11 of the patients achieved full-time respiration with EPR and another 2 achieved half-time respiration. Despite the loss of patients due to unrelated problems, 7 now use EPR continuously, 1 for 18 years. The factors involved in the significant success rate with EPR are discussed from the point of view of a neurosurgeon.
