Abstract
Management of ventilator-dependent spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach involving both clinicians and surgeons to deliver comprehensive care. Traditionally, surgical options to treat respiratory deficits have been limited, with little recourse for neuromuscular junction disorders of the diaphragm and insults to the phrenic nerve. We write this chapter to bring into focus surgical options to improve outcomes and reduce ventilator dependence in this population. Here within, we review neuromuscular anatomy of the diaphragm and physiology of the respiratory system, outline new advancements in phrenic nerve surgery, and discuss the potential impact these techniques can have for this patient population.
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Kaufman, M., Bauer, T., Massery, M., Cece, J. (2017). Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for Diaphragmatic Paralysis and Ventilator Dependency. In: Elkwood, A., Kaufman, M., Schneider, L. (eds) Rehabilitative Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41406-5_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41406-5_10
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