Phrenic nerve conduction times and twitch pressures of the human diaphragm

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1496-1504 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. K. McKenzie ◽  
S. C. Gandevia

A multilumen catheter was modified to allow simultaneous recording of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the diaphragm. The catheter was used in 20 healthy males to measure the conduction time of the phrenic nerves and the twitch pressure of each hemidiaphragm during single supramaximal shocks delivered to the phrenic nerve in the neck. Diaphragmatic EMG was also recorded with surface electrodes at various sites on the chest wall. The mean conduction time to the crural fibers was 6.82 +/- 0.64 ms on the right and 7.93 +/- 0.85 ms on the left, whereas that to the costal fibers adjacent to the midclavicular line was 7.68 +/- 0.56 ms on the right and 7.92 +/- 0.92 ms on the left. Significant correlations were found between the conduction time of each phrenic nerve and the height and the age of the subjects. Conduction times measured at different EMG recording sites varied by as much as 2 ms. This variability, and that of previously reported values for phrenic conduction time, may be largely accounted for by differences in the conduction distances that were measured to each site in three cadavers. The evoked change in Pdi had a mean rise time of 92 ms and an amplitude of approximately 10 cmH2O.

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 967-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Verin ◽  
Christian Straus ◽  
Alexandre Demoule ◽  
Philippe Mialon ◽  
Jean-Philippe Derenne ◽  
...  

Phrenic nerve stimulation, electrical (ES) or from cervical magnetic stimulation (CMS), allows one to assess the diaphragm contractile properties and the conduction time of the phrenic nerve (PNCT) through recording of an electromyographic response, traditionally by using surface electrodes. Because of the coactivation of extradiaphragmatic muscles, signal contamination can jeopardize the determination of surface PNCTs. To address this, we compared PNCTs with ES and CMS from surface and needle diaphragm electrodes in five subjects (10 phrenic nerves). At a modified recording site, lower and more anterior than usual (lowest accessible intercostal space, costochondral junction) with electrodes 2 cm apart, surface and needle PNCTs were similar (CMS: 6.0 ± 0.25 ms surface vs. 6.2 ± 0.13 ms needle, not significant). Electrodes recording the activity of the most likely sources of signal contamination, i.e., the serratus anterior and pectoralis major, showed distinct responses from that of the diaphragm, their earlier occurrence strongly arguing against contamination. With ES and CMS, apparently uncontaminated signals could be consistently recorded from surface electrodes.


1998 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 2089-2099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. M. Luo ◽  
M. I. Polkey ◽  
L. C. Johnson ◽  
R. A. Lyall ◽  
M. L. Harris ◽  
...  

The purpose of the study was to compare electrical stimulation (ES) and cervical magnetic stimulation (CMS) of the phrenic nerves for the measurement of the diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and phrenic nerve conduction time. A specially designed esophageal catheter with three pairs of electrodes was used, with control of electrode positioning in 10 normal subjects. Pair A and pair B were close to the diaphragm ( pair A lower than pair B); pair C was positioned 10 cm above the diaphragm to detect the electromyogram from extradiaphragmatic muscles. Electromyograms were also recorded from upper and lower chest wall surface electrodes. The shape of the CMAP measured with CMS (CMS-CMAP) usually differed from that of the CMAP measured with ES (ES-CMAP). Moreover, the latency of the CMS-CMAP from pair B (5.3 ± 0.4 ms) was significantly shorter than that from pair A (7.1 ± 0.7 ms). The amplitude of the CMS-CMAP (1.00 ± 0.15 mV) was much higher than that of ES-CMAP (0.26 ± 0.15 mV) when recorded from pair C. Good-quality CMS-CMAPs could be recorded in some subjects from an electrode positioned very low in the esophagus. The differences between ES-CMAP and CMS-CMAP recorded either from esophageal or chest wall electrodes make CMS unreliable for the measurement of phrenic nerve conduction time.


1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (6) ◽  
pp. H1836-H1846 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Kostreva ◽  
S. P. Pontus

Pericardial mechanoreceptors with afferents in the phrenic nerves were studied in anesthetized dogs. The specific aims determined 1) if pericardial receptors with phrenic afferents exist in the dog; 2) the stimuli needed to activate these receptors; 3) the anatomic distribution of these pericardial receptors; and 4) which pericardial layer contains the receptors. Afferent activity was recorded from the phrenic nerves while the pericardium was probed. In 15 of 18 animals, pericardial receptors were found on the right side. In 12 of 18 animals pericardial receptors were located on the left side. Most of the mechanoreceptors were found in a band that paralleled the pericardiophrenic attachment, in the fibrous layer of the pericardium, overlying the atria and atrioventricular grooves. Some receptors had a cardiac rhythm, whereas others were stimulated by the inflating lung. None of the receptors were chemosensitive to capsaicin, bradykinin, or saline. This study is the first to demonstrate that the pericardium of the dog contains mechanosensitive receptors which are innervated by the phrenic nerve.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Spiesshoefer ◽  
I T Tuleta ◽  
A G Giannoni ◽  
M B Boentert

Abstract Background Diaphragm ultrasound allows for assessment of both diaphragm excursion and thickness. Cervical and cortical magnetic stimulation (CEMS and COMS) with recording of the diaphragmatic compound motor action potential (CMAP) is diagnostically useful to evaluate the conductive properties of the inspiratory pathway. Systolic heart failure (HF) is characterized by a loss of systolic pump function. Diaphragm weakness in HF has been reported to potentially contribute to exercise intolerance Methods 14 patients with systolic HF (11 men, 3 women; 64±12 years, NYHA 2±0.9, LVEF 36.1±5.6%) and 12 healthy controls matched for age and gender (4 men, 8 women; 56±8 years) underwent spirometric lung function testing and assessment of diaphragm excursion (during tidal breathing, TB, voluntary sniff, VS and deep breathing, DB) and thickness of the right hemidiaphragm by ultrasound. COMS and CEMS of the phrenic nerves with simultaneous bilateral recording of the diaphragm CMAP using surface electrodes was performed in 9 patients. Results Compared to controls, HF patients showed reduced forced vital capacity (75.46±18.05% vs. 107.62±17.13%, p<0.05). Diaphragm excursion amplitude was significantly reduced in HF patients (4.29±1.35 cm vs. 7.34±2.10 cm, p<0.05). Diaphragm contractility was impaired too, as reflected by the diaphragm thickening ratio (DTR; 2.01±0.46 vs. 2.53±0.74, p<0.05). Diaphragm CMAP following COMS and CEMS of the phrenic nerves revealed normal latencies in HF patients compared to controls (COMS Latency; 19.05±2.37 msec vs. 18.97±3.59 msec, p= n. s.). Conclusions Diaphragm involvement in systolic HF is reflected by reduced FVC and impaired ultrasound parameters of diaphragm function. Diaphragmatic pathology is likely to be myopathic because magnetic phrenic nerve conduction studies show no abnormalities. Diaphragm ultrasound may be useful as a diagnostic tool for assessment of diaphragm function in systolic HF. Acknowledgement/Funding This study was supported by Sanofi-Genzyme, Neu-Isenburg, Germany. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, preparation.


1985 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 847-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Carlo ◽  
M. J. Miller ◽  
R. J. Martin

The effect of end-expiratory occlusion on respiratory muscle activity was studied in 10 unsedated preterm infants during sleep. Electromyograms (EMG) of the upper airway were recorded from surface electrodes placed over the submental (SM) area; diaphragm (DIA) EMGs were obtained with identical electrodes over the right subcostal margin. Phasic SM EMG accompanied 56 +/- 36% of breaths during spontaneous breathing and increased to 80 +/- 26% (P less than 0.05) on the first inspiratory effort after occlusion. Occlusion increased peak amplitude (P less than 0.001) and total duration (P less than 0.005) of the SM EMG without significant changes in its initial rate of rise. In contrast, only the total duration of the DIA EMG increased (P less than 0.005) during occlusion. Inspiratory time increased from 470 +/- 120 to 720 +/- 210 ms (P less than 0.001) during the first occluded effort, but expiratory time did not change. With sustained occlusion, peak amplitude of the SM EMG progressively increased, but DIA EMG only significantly increased by the third occluded effort. Pharyngeal patency was invariably maintained throughout the induced airway occlusions. Sharp bursts of SM EMG activity coincided with resolution of spontaneous obstructive apneic episodes in four infants. The immediate increase in SM EMG associated with airway occlusion may be a mechanism that prevents the development of obstructive apnea.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Schaerli ◽  
S Knecht ◽  
F Spies ◽  
A Madaffari ◽  
S Osswald ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) is the most common complication in cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation. Monitoring techniques such as compound motor action potential (CMAP) measurements using additional leads, or catheters positioned in the subdiaphragmatic hepatic vein or the esophagus have demonstrated to be effective to prevent PNP. Purpose This study investigates the safety and feasibility of a simple monitoring strategy using the lead aVF of the standard surface 12 lead ECG for CMAP monitoring to prevent PNP. Methods In 263 continuous patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation, a decapolar catheter was placed in the right subclavian vein to stimulate the phrenic nerve during ablation of the right sided pulmonary veins ([email protected] ms at 60 bpm). Capture was continuously monitored using the CMAP potential in the inferior aVF lead of the surface ECG and manually by palpation of the abdominal movement. The freeze was terminated early if the amplitude of the aVF signal decrease by &gt;25% in three consecutive beats or if the diaphragmatic contraction decreased. Results Phrenic nerve injury documented by a reduction of the signal in aVF was observed in 13 of the 263 patients (5%) during freezes of the right superior pulmonary vein. Reduced diaphragmatic contraction detected by palpation of the abdomen was never observed without previous reduced amplitude in the surface aVF signal and was therefore never the trigger to stop a freeze. In patients with phrenic nerve injury, the mean initial amplitude was 1mV (SD ±0.3mV) and the mean minimal amplitude was 0.3mV (SD ±0.2mV). Mean time to recovery of the aVF amplitude was 160 seconds. Twelve patients (4.6%) showed complete recovery whereas one patient (0.4%) showed only partial recovery, as demonstrated in a sniff test at the end of the procedure. This patient showed no clinical signs of phrenic nerve palsy the following day, and full recovery was demonstrated in a sniff test 3 months later. Conclusion Monitoring of CMAP using the aVF signal from a standard 12-lead ECG during phrenic nerve stimulation to reduce the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy is safe and feasible. This technique is readily available during every standard ablation without placing additional electrodes and more sensitive than manual palpation. aVF signal before and during ablation Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 00052-2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Verin ◽  
Capucine Morelot-Panzini ◽  
Jesus Gonzalez-Bermejo ◽  
Benoit Veber ◽  
Brigitte Perrouin Verbe ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of unilateral diaphragmatic reinnervation in humans by the inferior laryngeal nerve. This pilot study included chronically ventilated tetraplegic patients with destruction of phrenic nerve motoneurons.Five patients were included. They all had a high level of tetraplegia, with phrenic nerve motor neuron destruction. They were highly dependent on ventilation, without any possibility of weaning. They did not have other chronic pathologies, especially laryngeal disease. They all had diaphragmatic explorations to diagnose the destruction of the motoneurons of the phrenic nerves and nasoendoscopy to be sure that they did not have laryngeal or pharyngeal disease. Then, surgical anastomosis of the right phrenic nerve was performed with the inferior laryngeal nerve, by a cervical approach. A laryngeal reinnervation was performed at the same time, using the ansa hypoglossi.One patient was excluded because of a functional phrenic nerve and one patient died 6 months after the surgery of a cardiac arrest. The remaining three patients were evaluated after the anastomosis every 6 months. They did not present any swallowing or vocal alterations. In these three patients, the diaphragmatic explorations showed that there was a recovery of the diaphragmatic electromyogram of the right and left hemidiaphragms after 1 year. Two patients had surgical diaphragmatic explorations for diaphragmatic pacing 18–24 months after the reinnervation with excellent results. At 36 months, none of the patients could restore their automatic ventilation.In conclusion, this study demonstrated that diaphragmatic reinnervation by the inferior laryngeal nerve is effective, without any vocal or swallowing complications.


1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1763-1769 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Dureuil ◽  
N. Viires ◽  
R. Pariente ◽  
J. M. Desmonts ◽  
M. Aubier

The effects of phrenic nerve cooling at 0 degrees C on the nerve and diaphragmatic function were evaluated in dogs. Eleven dogs, anesthetized and mechanically ventilated, were studied. Left diaphragmatic function was assessed by recording the transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during electrical stimulation of the left phrenic nerve at different frequencies (0.5, 30, and 100 Hz). Phrenic nerve stimulations were achieved either directly by electrodes placed around the phrenic nerve above its pericardial course or by intramuscular electrodes placed close to the phrenic nerve endings. Electrical activity of the hemidiaphragm (Edi) was recorded and phrenic nerve conduction time (PNCT) was measured during direct phrenic stimulation. A transpericardial cooling of the nerve, at 0 degrees C, on a length of 1 cm, was performed during 30 min (group A, n = 7) or 5 min (group B, n = 4). After the cooling period, phrenic and diaphragmatic functions were assessed hourly for 4 h (H1-H4). Cooling the phrenic nerve produced a complete phrenic nerve conduction block in all dogs, 100 +/- 10 s after the onset of cold exposure. Conduction recovery time was longer in group A (11 +/- 7 min) than in group B (2 +/- 0.5 min) and PNCT remained increased throughout the study in group A. Furthermore, in group A, Pdi and Edi during direct phrenic stimulation were markedly depressed from H1 to H4. No change in these parameters was noted until H3 during intramuscular stimulation, time at which a significant decrease occurred. By contrast, Pdi and Edi from direct and intramuscular stimulations remained unchanged throughout the study in group B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Neurosurgery ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Takeuchi ◽  
Yuji Handa ◽  
Hidenori Kobayashi ◽  
Ilirokazu Kawano ◽  
Minoru Hayashi

Abstract We studied the impairment of autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its effect on the electrical activity of the brain during the development of chronic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, using a vasospasm model in primates. Fourteen animals were divided into two groups: a clot group (8) and a sham-operated group (6). To induce subarachnoid hemorrhage, all the animals underwent craniectomy, and in the clot group, the autologous blood clot was located around the arteries dissected free from the arachnoid membrane. Cerebral angiography was performed before subarachnoid hemorrhage and 7 days after (Day 7). On Day 7, regional CBF in the parietal lobe—measured by the hydrogen clearance method—and central conduction time were studied during either graded hypertension or hypotension. In the clot group, the mean vessel caliber of the cerebral arteries on the right side (clot side) of the circle of Willis showed significant (P&lt;0.01) reduction (more than 40%) as compared with the values on the contralateral, non-clot side. The values for the bilateral parietal CBF in the sham-operated group and the left parietal CBF in the clot group were fairly constant when the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was in the range of 60 to 160 mm Hg. In the clot group, right parietal CBF was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) smaller than that on the left side at an MABP level of 40 to 100 mm Hg, and increased at an MABP level of 180 mm Hg. The right parietal CBF increased as the arterial blood pressure increased, showing impairment of autoregulation. The central conduction time on the right side in the clot group was significantly (P&lt;0.05) prolonged at an MABP of 40 mm Hg. It is suggested that impairment of autoregulation is strongly affected by the development of cerebral vasospasm and that, in this state, a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure easily depresses the electrical function of the brain.


2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (04) ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Roßmüller ◽  
S. Alalp ◽  
S. Fischer ◽  
S. Dresel ◽  
K. Hahn ◽  
...  

SummaryFor assessment of differential renal function (PF) by means of static renal scintigraphy with Tc-99m-dimer-captosuccinic acid (DMSA) the calculation of the geometric mean of counts from the anterior and posterior view is recommended. Aim of this retrospective study was to find out, if the anterior view is necessary to receive an accurate differential renal function by calculating the geometric mean compared to calculating PF using the counts of the posterior view only. Methods: 164 DMSA-scans of 151 children (86 f, 65 m) aged 16 d to 16 a (4.7 ± 3.9 a) were reviewed. The scans were performed using a dual head gamma camera (Picker Prism 2000 XP, low energy ultra high resolution collimator, matrix 256 x 256,300 kcts/view, Zoom: 1.6-2.0). Background corrected values from both kidneys anterior and posterior were obtained. Using region of interest technique PF was calculated using the counts of the dorsal view and compared with the calculated geometric mean [SQR(Ctsdors x Ctsventr]. Results: The differential function of the right kidney was significantly less when compared to the calculation of the geometric mean (p<0.01). The mean difference between the PFgeom and the PFdors was 1.5 ± 1.4%. A difference > 5% (5.0-9.5%) was obtained in only 6/164 scans (3.7%). Three of 6 patients presented with an underestimated PFdors due to dystopic kidneys on the left side in 2 patients and on the right side in one patient. The other 3 patients with a difference >5% did not show any renal abnormality. Conclusion: The calculation of the PF from the posterior view only will give an underestimated value of the right kidney compared to the calculation of the geometric mean. This effect is not relevant for the calculation of the differntial renal function in orthotopic kidneys, so that in these cases the anterior view is not necesssary. However, geometric mean calculation to obtain reliable values for differential renal function should be applied in cases with an obvious anatomical abnormality.


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