Diaphragm pacing (DP) is a useful and cost-effective alternative to mechanical ventilation in patients with ventilator-dependent spinal cord injury and central hypoventilation syndrome. Patients with spinal cord injuries should be carefully screened to assess the integrity of their phrenic nerves. In eligible patients, diaphragm pacing improves mobility, speech, olfaction, and quality of life. Another, albeit uncommon, application of diaphragm pacing is to treat patients who have intractable hiccups.
