Diaphragm pacing for spinal cord injury

Diaphragm pacing is a method to help improve breathing, speech and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries who use a mechanical ventilator. Diaphragm pacing can potentially relieve dependence on a mechanical ventilator. In diaphragm pacing, a lightweight, battery-powered system electrically stimulates your diaphragm muscles and nerves. This causes your diaphragm to contract so that air is pulled into your lungs to help you breathe. The devices for diaphragm pacing include parts both inside and outside the body.