As published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, physicians report on the successful application of vagal nerve stimulation in a patient already implanted with diaphragmatic pacing (DP).

"Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome is a rare neurological condition resulting from failure of automatic respiration...Patients with severe CCHS who require continual ventilation significantly benefit from DP via implantation of bilateral phrenic nerve pacing electrodes."

"This is the first published report of these 2 devices being used simultaneously in the same patient."

"No adverse interaction or interference between simultaneous phrenic nerve pacing and VNS was noted in this patient. Significant clinical benefit accrued from markedly enhanced seizure control without compromise of respiratory status. When the intensity of VNS therapy was increased over time, no interference with DP emerged."

"This patient has now undergone simultaneous DP and VNS therapy for almost 8 years without known complications related to dual use."

Duty BD, Wozniak SE, Selden NR. "Vagal Nerve Stimulator Placement for Medically Refractory Seizures in a Child Treated with Phrenic Nerve Pacing for Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome." J Neurosurg Pediatrics; E-Pub May 2011 .