title: [Trial of a new technic of transcutaneous diaphragmatic electrostimulation in man].
abstract: A new method of diaphragmatic pacing by transcutaneous electrical stimulation, using alternative currents with frequency and amplitude modulations, was tested in 12 subjects: 3 were normal and awake (group I); 4 were studied in acute respiratory failure while under mechanical ventilation and central apnea (group II) and 5 were studied while anaesthetized for peripheral venous surgery and breathing spontaneously (group III). Stimulation was performed either during spontaneous ventilation (groups I and II) or during short periods of respiratory depression (group III). Tidal volume was measured by pneumotachography. A positive correlation was found between stimulus intensity and inspired volume. This effect was not due to voluntary control alone, since diaphragmatic stimulation could support 24% of the theoretical minute ventilation in group II subjects and 64% in group III subjects. These preliminary results demonstrate the relative efficacy of this new method of diaphragmatic pacing using computerized alternative currents.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D012119:Respiration; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy
vernacular_title: Essai d'une nouvelle technique d'électrostimulation diaphragmatique transcutanée chez l'homme.