Phrenic nerve pacing in reversible cervical cord lesion: a case report.

Phrenic nerve pacing was performed in a patient with tetraplegia and complete respiratory insufficiency soon after cervical decompressive laminectomy for spondylotic myelopathy. The electrophrenic stimulation, in spite of being performed only unilaterally, gave respiratory autonomy to the patient, who was then no longer dependent on mechanical ventilation. This allowed him to move freely out of bed and have intensive motor rehabilitation, which in the end resulted in a satisfactory recovery. The stimulator was removed when no longer needed. The technique, the physiological parameters, and the indications for diaphragm pacing are discussed.