Percutaneous Temporary Placement of a Phrenic Nerve Stimulator for Diaphragm Pacing (RESCUE1)

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life saving technology but can also cause damage to the lungs and diaphragm such as ventilator induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). Research has shown that after being on mandatory MV and sedated the diaphragm begins to atrophy within as little as 18 hours. The DPTS is a temporary therapy that consists of the Lungpacer IntraVenous Electrode Catheter (LIVE Catheter) and the lungpacer Control Unit (LCU) system. The LIVE Catheter is a proprietary central venous catheter that incorporates pacing electrodes in strategic areas that align with the left and right phrenic nerves in order to stimulate the nerves to recruit the diaphragm. The LIVE Catheter can also be used for fluid delivery like any other central venous catheter. This early feasibility trial will investigate the safety and feasibility of the DPTS as a therapy to recondition and strengthen the diaphragm by stimulating the diaphragm through daily sessions so the patient may be more quickly liberated from MV. The patient population includes those who have been mechanically ventilated for \> or = to 7 days, have failed two or more SBTs, and were not hypervolemic during the latest SBT. Patients must have resolution of the initial indication for placement on MV before entering the trial.