Phrenic nerve pacing--an alternative to positive pressure ventilation: the required nursing care.

Phrenic nerve pacing as a method of ventilation was first recognized in 1783. For years, this technique was not used because of the lack of practical technology. Interest in phrenic nerve pacing was renewed in the 1960s with the development of a radio frequency transmission system. Applicable to a limited patient population, phrenic nerve pacing has several benefits over positive-pressure ventilation. Benefits include greater patient mobility, verbal articulation, less mechanical noise, and breathing by natural negative-pressure. This article provides information for nurses who care for patients ventilated by phrenic nerve pacing.