Avery Diaphragm Pacing System Broadcast on TV in Argentina: An International Spotlight on the Avery Diaphragm Pacemaker
Health Network Public TV aired a segment for the first time in Argentina on the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System, the first implant of the Avery device done in the country. The surgery, conducted by chief pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Carlos Alberto Ciraolo, along with an interdisciplinary team of specialists, implanted the Avery System into a seven […]
Phrenic Nerve Pacing – How It Works
WHAT IS PHRENIC NERVE PACING? Phrenic nerve pacing, also known as diaphragm pacing, is the sending of electric impulses to the diaphragm, resulting in respiration for otherwise ventilator dependent patients. Phrenic nerve pacing with the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System typically benefits clients due to: Increased mobility Lower infection rates Increased ease of eating and drinking Improved […]
Diaphragm Pacing Explained
For most people, the simple action of taking a breath involves little-to-no thought. Breathing is an involuntary reflex, an action that is taken for granted by billions of people worldwide, but essential to our existence. But for those afflicted with conditions such as quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), central sleep apnea, or transverse […]
Living with Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)
Living with CCHS Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a life-long disease. There is no known cure and treatment depends on its severity. Living with CCHS means living with respiratory support. All CCHS patients need ventilator support when they sleep. An estimated one third of patients currently require around–the-clock support. MECHANICAL VENTILATOR SUPPORT AND ITS […]
CCHS – Congenital Hypoventilation Syndrome
WHAT IS CCHS? Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder of respiratory control. Patients with CCHS have difficulty breathing because the part of their brain that controls respiratory function is impaired, which results in the brain not telling the body how fast or how deep to breathe. Once a patient is diagnosed with […]
What Happens When the Diaphragm Is Not Working?
Understanding Diaphragm Paralysis and What Can Be Done The diaphragm is a muscle crucial for breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, suction is created that draws air into the lungs. Air is exhaled as the diaphragm relaxes, in combination with other muscles and tissues. When the diaphragm is not working properly, respiratory issues may occur. There […]
Phrenic Nerve Damage Causes and Treatments
This article deals with damage to the phrenic nerve as well as treatment options. To skip directly to the treatment options, please click here. The phrenic nerve may not be something you have heard of before, but as you read this, it is keeping you alive. This nerve controls the diaphragm muscle, which controls the breathing […]
Diaphragm Pacing Benefits with the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System
Since the early 1970’s, Avery Biomedical Devices has implanted over 2,000 diaphragm pacing systems in patients world-wide. The device provides ventilator support for patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency whose diaphragm, lungs and phrenic nerves have residual function. Diaphragm Pacing with the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System also provides many benefits compared to mechanical ventilation (Positive Pressure […]
75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig Farewell Speech
This Friday, July 4th, marks the 75th year of Lou Gehrig’s iconic farewell speech when he stepped away from the game of baseball because of his struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). At the time of the address in 1939, the disease was not understood nearly as well as it is today. Gehrig brought such significant […]
Spinal Cord Injury Information (Infographic)
SPINAL CORD INJURIES AND BREATHING ASSISTANCE According to the CDC, there are about 200,000 people currently living with spinal cord injuries in the United States. For patients with C1, C2, or C3 spinal cord injuries, ventilator assistance may be necessary and is provided by a mechanical ventilator immediately following injury. When a patient is neurologically […]
