Diaphragm Pacing: A Treatment for Breathing Difficulties Stemming from Diaphragm Dysfunction

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

The Lung Association says “When you can’t breathe nothing else matters.” The diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. Diaphragm dysfunction can lead to mild breathlessness or respiratory failure on tracheostomy mechanical ventilation. Diaphragm pacing (DP) can help improve and correct diaphragm dysfunction. This presentation focuses on DP treating diaphragm dysfunction regardless of the cause. Utilizing power point which includes ultrasound, fluoroscopy and surgical videos, we review DP from pre-implantation evaluation through post implant utilization. Case studies showing different ages, diagnosis and pacing goals are presented.

Objectives

Review the role of the diaphragm muscle and describe how dysfunction of the diaphragm leads to respiratory compromise.
Discuss how DP is used in a myriad of diseases to treat breathing issues stemming from diaphragm dysfunction.
Identify nuances in diaphragm pacing therapy when utilized in the different ages and diagnoses.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.