Effectiveness of diaphragmatic stimulation with single-channel electrodes in rabbits

Abstract

Every year, a large number of individuals become dependent on mechanical ventilation because of a loss of diaphragm function. The most common causes are cervical spinal trauma and neuromuscular diseases. We have developed an experimental model to evaluate the performance of electrical stimulation of the diaphragm in rabbits using single-channel electrodes implanted directly into the muscle. Various current intensities (10, 16, 20, and 26 mA) produced tidal volumes above the baseline value, showing that this model is effective for the study of diaphragm performance at different levels of electrical stimulation.

Figure 1. In A, electrodes implanted directly into the diaphragm (arrows). In B, the abdominal wall is closed, but the skin and subcutaneous tissue are open and the wires are exteriorized for diaphragmatic stimulation after an observation period of 15 days.

Figure 2. Mean expiratory volumes at current intensities of 10, 16, 20, 26, and 32 mA.

Figura 1. Em A, eletrodos implantados diretamente no diafragma (setas). Em B, parede abdominal fechada com a pele e o tecido subcutâneo abertos com os fios exteriorizados para ser realizada a estimulação diafragmática após 15 dias de observação.

Figura 2. Média dos volumes expirados nas intensidades de corrente de 10, 16, 20, 26 e 32 mA.