Innovations In Respiratory Medicine: Diaphragm Pacing and Mouthpiece Ventilation, Alternatives for Long Term Ventilation

A/Prof Mark Howard
Director, Victorian Respiratory Support Service, Austin Health

Time: 27 October 2015, 18:00 AEDT (Refreshments from 17:30)

Venue: Lecture Theatre, Education Precinct, The Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084

Abstract

Diaphragm pacing and mouth piece ventilation provide alternatives to long term mechanical ventilation in selected ventilator dependent patients with spinal cord injury and neuromuscular disease that may confer health and quality of life benefits. Phrenic nerve stimulation and direct diaphragm pacing may provide different clinical benefits depending on individual patient characteristics. Supplementary techniques utilising thoracic spinal cord stimulation to assist coughing show promise for reducing respiratory complications and remain under evaluation. Careful assessment is required to assess the potential individual benefits of these therapies, likelihood of technical success, the preferred procedure and adequacy of long term support to manage ventilation and diaphragm pacing in the community.

Biography

Mark Howard is the Director of the Victorian Respiratory Support Service at Austin Health. He is a specialist physician in respiratory and sleep medicine with interests in long term ventilation of patients with respiratory failure and the impact of sleep disorders on driving and occupational health and safety. He is a current board member for the Australasian Sleep Association, Chair of the Senior Medical Staff Association at Austin Health and Theme Leader for the Co-operative Research Centre for Alertness Safety and Productivity, in which IBAS is a partner.