Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Acute Respiratory Failure.

Diaphragm inactivity during invasive mechanical ventilation leads to diaphragm atrophy and weakness, hemodynamic instability, and ventilatory heterogeneity. Absent respiratory drive and effort can, therefore, worsen injury to both lung and diaphragm and is a major cause of failure to wean. Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) can maintain controlled levels of diaphragm activity independent of intrinsic drive and as such may offer a promising approach to achieving lung and diaphragm protective ventilatory targets. Whereas PNS has an established role in the management of chronic respiratory failure, there is emerging interest in how its multisystem putative benefits may be temporarily harnessed in the management of invasively ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure.

Lung- and Diaphragm-Protective Ventilation.

Mechanical ventilation can cause acute diaphragm atrophy and injury, and this is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although the importance and impact of lung-protective ventilation is widely appreciated and well established, the concept of diaphragm-protective ventilation has recently emerged as a potential complementary therapeutic strategy. This Perspective, developed from discussions at a meeting of international experts convened by PLUG (the Pleural Pressure Working Group) of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, outlines a conceptual framework for an integrated lung- and diaphragm-protective approach to mechanical ventilation on the basis of growing evidence about mechanisms of injury. We propose targets for diaphragm protection based on respiratory effort and patient-ventilator synchrony. The potential for conflict between diaphragm protection and lung protection under certain conditions is discussed; we emphasize that when conflicts arise, lung protection must be prioritized over diaphragm protection. Monitoring respiratory effort is essential to concomitantly protect both the diaphragm and the lung during mechanical ventilation. To implement lung- and diaphragm-protective ventilation, new approaches to monitoring, to setting the ventilator, and to titrating sedation will be required. Adjunctive interventions, including extracorporeal life support techniques, phrenic nerve stimulation, and clinical decision-support systems, may also play an important role in selected patients in the future. Evaluating the clinical impact of this new paradigm will be challenging, owing to the complexity of the intervention. The concept of lung- and diaphragm-protective ventilation presents a new opportunity to potentially improve clinical outcomes for critically ill patients.

Avoiding Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Injury During Mechanical Ventilation: Diaphragm-Protective Ventilation and Early Mobilization.

Both limb muscle weakness and respiratory muscle weakness are exceedingly common in critically ill patients. Respiratory muscle weakness prolongs ventilator dependence, predisposing to nosocomial complications and death. Limb muscle weakness persists for months after discharge from intensive care and results in poor long-term functional status and quality of life. Major mechanisms of muscle injury include critical illness polymyoneuropathy, sepsis, pharmacologic exposures, metabolic derangements, and excessive muscle loading and unloading. The diaphragm may become weak because of excessive unloading (leading to atrophy) or because of excessive loading (either concentric or eccentric) owing to insufficient ventilator assistance.

What the radiologist should know about postoperative MDCT evaluation of a patient treated with cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), often associated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), is now a well-recognised treatment for most peritoneal malignancies in selected patients. As imaging is frequently performed postoperatively, radiologists are increasingly confronted with postoperative multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) examinations in these cases. In this article, after briefly describing the procedures that are currently being performed for the treatment of peritoneal metastases, the normal postoperative MDCT changes that may be encountered after these procedures are described. We then highlight complications that may arise after CRS, depending on the surgery performed, and those related to HIPEC, and illustrate their MDCT features.

[OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF DIAPHRAGMATIC RELAXATION, USING WELDING OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUES].

The results of examination and treatment of 17 patients for relaxation of the diaphragm were analyzed. There was proved the efficacy of application of the biological tissues welding while operative treatment of patients, using a duplicature method. While the biological welding application a reduction of the intervention total duration time was noted, and of intraoperative blood loss - by 17%, and a need for analgetic preparations - in 1.3 times. Minimal irritation impact of biological welding on parietal pleura and the pain intensity reduction was established.

Técnica de estiramiento del diafragma / No disponible

El diafragma es una estructura de máxima importancia dadas sus múltiples relaciones en el organismo, con el raquis cervical, dorsal y lumbar, con las costillas y caja torácica, con los paquetes vasculonerviosos que lo atraviesan, y con el conjunto de vísceras. Asímismo, es también uno de los elementos claves del control postural y de la postura. A nivel fascial, forma parte del tendón central y del sistema de diafragmas transversales del cuerpo. Fisiológicamente, es el músculo principal de la inspiración, factor indispensable para la vida. Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir la técnica de estiramiento de la parte anterior del diafragma, en su variante en decúbito supino. El tratamiento de diafragma produce beneficios en el funcionamiento visceral, vascular y nervioso, tiene repercusiones sobre la columna y la postura y juega un papel importante en las disfunciones craneosacras. Esta técnica no debe ser utilizada en caso de tumores, fracturas y patología inflamatoria o infecciosa agudas, déficit neurológico o rechazo por parte del paciente (AU)

No disponible

CT with coronal reconstruction identifies previously missed smaller diaphragmatic injuries after blunt trauma.

Diaphragmatic injuries (DIs) are difficult to diagnose and often go unrecognized after blunt trauma. We proposed that CT scan with coronal reconstruction (CTCR) improves the detection of small DIs missed by chest x-ray (CXR) and CT scan with axial views (CTAX). We performed a retrospective review at a Level I trauma center from 2001 to 2006 and identified 35 patients who underwent operative repair of DI after blunt trauma. The size of the DI and the radiographic test (CXR, CTAX, and CTCR) that identified the defect was compared. Results were analyzed using mean, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test. Of the 35 DI repairs, nine were performed after CXR alone and 12 after identification by both a CXR and CTAX. There was no significant difference between the mean DI size identified by CXR with and without CTAX (10.6 vs 9.7, P = 0.88). The remaining 14 DIs were undetected by CXR and CTAX. Seven of these (before CTCR) were found during exploratory laparotomy and seven were identified by CTCR (4.6 cm vs 3.5 cm, P = 0.33). The mean DI size identified by CTCR was significantly smaller than that identified by CXR alone (4.6 cm vs 9.7 cm, P < 0.05) and by CXR and CTAX (4.6 cm vs 10.6 cm, P < 0.0005). CTCR improves the ability to detect smaller DI defects (4 to 8 cm) that were previously missed by CXR and CTAX. CTAX adds little to CXR alone for the diagnosis of large defects (greater than 8 cm).

Biological materials for diaphragmatic repair: initial experiences with the PeriGuard Repair Patch®.

BACKGROUND: We sought to analyze the efficacy of a bovine pericardial patch (PeriGuard®) for diaphragmatic repair. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients (6 males, median age 56 years) scheduled for diaphragmatic resection and/or repair were enrolled in this study. In all cases diaphragmatic repair was performed with a PeriGuard Repair Patch® (Synovis, St. Paul, MN, USA). At follow-up (median: 12 months; range: 6-18 months), quality of life, signs of reherniation and incorporation of mesh were assessed through clinical examination, blood samples and CT or MRT scan. RESULTS: Diagnosis on admission included sarcoma (n = 2), mesothelioma (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), parachordoma (n = 1) and large congenital or posttraumatic herniation (n = 2). At follow-up successful diaphragmatic repair with no signs of reherniation, graft dehiscence or seroma formation was confirmed for all patients. Recorded inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) and procalcitonin (PCT)] reached their peak values between postoperative day (POD) 4 and POD 7. Values ranged from 122-282 mg/L for CRP, 0.4-4.6 µg/L for PCT and 6.2-15.6 Tsd/µL for WBC. Overall oncological results were good and 5 out of 6 survivors reported a fully reestablished quality of life. CONCLUSION: We consider the PeriGuard Repair Patch® a viable alternative to synthetic materials for diaphragm replacement. Moreover, we advise carrying out cautious follow-up in patients undergoing extensive oncological resection to learn more about the biological behavior of the bovine PeriGuard Repair Patch® after diaphragmatic repair.

Unintended thermal injuries from radiofrequency ablation: protection with 5% dextrose in water.

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors can lead to thermal injury of surrounding structures. Both saline and 5% dextrose in water (D5) have been used to displace these surrounding structures before radiofrequency ablation. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of these two fluids for protecting the diaphragm and lung during radiofrequency ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten female domestic swine (mean weight, 45 kg) underwent radiofrequency ablation at open surgery. Group 1 (n = 12 lesions) was pretreated with peritoneal D5 before radiofrequency ablation. Group 2 (n = 11 lesions) was pretreated with peritoneal 0.9% saline. A 2.7-mm spacer was placed between the liver surface and diaphragm in groups 1 and 2. Group 3 (n = seven lesions) served as a control group with no pretreatment regimen. Group 4, an additional control group (n = eight lesions), consisted of animals pretreated with D5 in which a larger spacer was used. After radiofrequency ablation, the animals were sacrificed and the liver, diaphragm, and lung were removed. The extent of thermal injury to the surface of each organ was recorded. RESULTS: The animals in the D5 and saline pretreatment groups experienced fewer diaphragm injuries than the control animals (D5, p = 0.02). The smallest lesions in the lung and diaphragm were in the D5 group, followed by the saline and control groups (diaphragm, p = 0.0001; lung, p = 0.13). Diaphragm lesions were significantly smaller in the D5 and saline groups than in the control group (p = 0.0001 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Instillation of D5 into the peritoneal cavity before hepatic radiofrequency ablation decreases the risk and severity of diaphragm and lung injuries compared with no pretreatment or pretreatment with 0.9% saline in this animal model. Pretreatment with D5 may increase both the safety of and the number of patients eligible for treatment with thermal therapies.

Diaphragmatic injuries in childhood.

The early detection and surgical repair of diaphragmatic injury is vital for saving the life of symptomatic children suffering from trauma. Furthermore, an accurate diagnosis may be difficult, particularly in right-sided diaphragmatic injuries. Fifteen children with diaphragmatic injury treated at our department between 1977 and 1998 were evaluated retrospectively. They included 9 boys and 6 girls, and consisted of 8 left- and 6 right-sided injuries, and 1 midline retrosternal injury, due to a blunt (n = 13) or penetrating (n = 2) trauma. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnea (86.6%), and abdominal pain and vomiting (13.4%). The diagnosis was confirmed preoperatively in 13 patients based on chest X-ray (n = 7), gastrointestinal series (n = 3), barium enema (n = 1), and computed tomography and/or ultrasonography findings (n = 2). Among these, a diagnostic delay occurred in 3 patients with right-sided injuries. A primary repair was performed through a laparotomy (n = 14) or thoracotomy (n = 1). Postoperative intussusception was the most frequent complication (n = 2). Diaphragmatic injury must be considered in any child who has sustained a thoracoabdominal trauma. Serial chest X-rays should be taken especially in right-sided injuries in which a considerable diagnostic delay may occur. Further radiological methods may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, postoperative intussusception may be encountered following diaphragmatic repair.

Lesiones diafragmáticas, cardiovasculares y traqueobronquiales en los traumatismos torácicos cerrados / Diaphragmatic, cardiovascular and tracheobronquial lesions in blunt chest trauma

Objetivo. Llamar la atención de clínicos y cirujanos sobre la posibilidad y frecuencia de lesiones diafragmáticas, de los órganos cardiovasculares y de las grandes vías respiratorias, en el marco clínico de los traumatismos torácicos cerrados, así como resaltar los aspectos pronósticos y terapéuticos de estas lesiones. Pacientes y método. Esta reflexión se basa en el estudio de un grupo de 17 historias clínicas extraídas de nuestra experiencia reciente y que incluye lesiones de los órganos que comentamos. Conclusiones. A pesar del progreso en los métodos exploratorios, un importante número de casos aún hoy día no son diagnosticados con tiempo para instaurar precozmente el oportuno tratamiento, lo que justifica a nuestro entender esta revisión (AU)

[Effect of shengmai san on diaphragmatic function in rabbits].

After stimulation of the bilateral phrenic nerves of the rabbits, the effect of Shengmai San (SMS) on their normal function and the diaphragmatic fatigue was observed with the measuring of diaphragm evoked potential (DEP), and the analysis of the power spectrum of diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMGdi) at spontaneous breathing. The results were as follows: (1) After the administration of 2 ml/kg of SMS, amplitude of DEP, central frequency, and the high/low frequency ratio were markedly increased. (2) Injecting SMS in 2 ml/kg in 30 minutes before injury could protect significantly against diaphragmatic fatigue following electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerves. (3) Injecting SMS in 2 ml/kg after fatigue could enhance the recovery of the diaphragmatic fatigue.

[Ileus of the large intestine as a late sequela of direct diaphragmatic rupture]. / Der Dickdarmileus als Spätfolge einer direkten Zwerchfellruptur.

We report two patients who were administered to our hospital with an obstruction of the colon. 4 months ago one of the patients had suffered a penetrating wound with a knife in the upper left abdomen. The other patient was wounded by gunshot in the left thorax 50 years ago. The x-ray of the lung showed the ruptured diaphragm as a sharp line in the left thorax and the enema with contrast fluid revealed a stop at the left colonic flecture. In both cases the rupture of the diaphragm was closed via an abdominal approach, the inspection of the colon did not discover any defect. The postoperative course was uneventful. In contrast to other authors we believe that the delayed rupture of the diaphragm in connection with a colonic obstruction should be repaired by an abdominal access.

Blunt diaphragm injuries. A five-year experience.

Between 1983 and 1988, 33 (21 men, 12 women) patients were treated for blunt diaphragmatic injuries following motor-vehicle (90%) or auto-pedestrian (10%) accidents at the Presley Trauma Center. Thirteen patients (39%) were right sided and 19 (56%) were left sided. One patient sustained bilateral ruptures. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) in both those that lived and those that died was not significantly different when right- and left-sided injuries were compared. Admission chest films were abnormal in 28 patients and diagnostic in nine patients (27%). The chest x ray was abnormal in 10 (78%) of those with right-sided injury. Twenty-three patients had diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL); 19 were initially positive, two were initially negative but became positive on relavage. There were two false-negative lavages. CT scan (4 patients) and barium enema (1 patient) were nondiagnostic. Diagnosis was delayed in four patients, two were diagnosed by repeat chest x ray and two by repeat lavage. All patients had multiple associated injuries, with 82 per cent having concomitant intra-abdominal injuries. All patients were explored via the transabdominal route. Complications occurred in 55 per cent and there were eight deaths (24%), all unrelated to the diaphragmatic injury. There was no relationship to mortality and hemidiaphragm injured. Chest x ray remains the single most beneficial diagnostic test for diaphragmatic injury. DPL is an insensitive test for isolated diaphragm injuries; however, the combination of CXR and DPL will lead to the diagnosis in the majority of cases. Ancillary radiologic tests are not beneficial. An elevated or obscured right hemidiaphragm should raise suspicion for blunt rupture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blunt and penetrating diaphragmatic injuries with or without herniation of organs into the chest.

From 1970 to 1984, 189 patients with penetrating injury and 20 with blunt injury were treated at Grady Memorial Hospital. One hundred eight-five patients with penetrating injury (Group 1) and 9 with blunt injury (Group 2) required emergency laparotomy. In the remaining 15 patients (Group 3), the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury was delayed from 18 hours to 15 years (mean, 8 months) after injury. The vast majority of the Group 1 and all Group 2 patients had injury to other organs, and the diagnosis of the diaphragmatic injury was made in almost all of them during the emergency laparotomy. The diagnosis in Group 3 patients was made by chest roentgenogram alone or with an upper gastrointestinal series or barium enema. All diaphragmatic injuries were repaired primarily except one which was repaired with Prolene mesh. Four of the Group 1 patients died, a mortality of 2.2%, and 2 of the Group 2 patients died, a mortality of 22.2%. All Group 3 patients recovered. This study suggests that diaphragmatic injury should be suspected in all patients with penetrating as well as blunt injury of the chest and abdomen and particularly of the epigastrium and lower chest. The presence of such an injury should be excluded before the termination of the exploratory procedure. Also, diaphragmatic injury should be suspected in patients with roentgenographic abnormalities of the diaphragm or lower lung field following trauma. The presence of diaphragmatic injury in such patients should be excluded with appropriate diagnostic studies to protect the patient from its late complications.

[Diagnosis and treatment of blunt injury to the diaphragm (author's transl)]. / Diagnose und Therapie der stumpfen Zwerchfellverletzungen.

Blunt injuries to the diaphragm are rare. They usually occur in combination with injuries to other structures (craniocerebral trauma, fracture of the pelvis, rupture of the spleen or liver). Regarding the diagnosis, knowledge of the mechanism of the accident may point to the possibility of a ruptured diaphragm, and so may auscultation and percussion of the chest. Examination of the gastrointestinal tract and contrast enema may show up displacement of abdominal viscera into the left pleural cavity. In cases of rupture of the right diaphragm coeliacography and scintillation scanning are indicated. As regards treatment: every rupture of the diaphragm needs surgical repair. If prolapse of viscera has been established, prompt intervention is necessary because of the risk of acute incarceration. Asymptomatic prolapse causing only minor complaints should also be rectified to obviate complications. The best approach for both early and late repair of the diaphragm is via the thorax.