Experimental Study of Nerve Transfer to Restore Diaphragm Function.

Abstract

Diaphragmatic paralysis after phrenic nerve injury is an infrequent but serious condition. The destruction of respiratory function after unilateral phrenic nerve injury has been the subject of many investigations. In this study, we used a rat model of complete paralysis of the unilateral diaphragm to observe changes in pulmonary function. We found in young rats with complete paralysis of the unilateral diaphragm, the vital capacity and total lung capacity show compensation after 4 weeks, and contralateral phrenic nerve transfer can enhance pulmonary function. However, in the aged rats, respiratory function parameters do not show compensation until 16 weeks after injury. These findings suggest that contralateral phrenic nerve end-to-side anastomosis is a promising therapeutic strategy. In general, our results suggest that this surgical method may hold great potential to be a secure, feasible, and effective technique to rescue diaphragmatic function.