phrenic nerve damage

need more information on bypass damage to phrenic nerve


This discussion is related to Phrenic Nerve Paralysis.

[funkywoman]

Google has a lot of info on this. Search phrenic nerve damage and bypass surgery.

I found this:
http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/20987.htm

Question:

    A friend of ours had open heart bypass surgery, and in the process, his phrentic nerve was severed. He now only has 50% lung capacity. Are there any new treatments or surgeries that can help to correct this? He is only 48 years old. Thank you in advance for any information.

Answer:

    This is not an uncommon occurrence. The phrenic nerve innervates the diaphragm which is the major muscle required for ventilation. Usually after bypass the nerve is injured and not severed. The distinction is that recovery can still occur with an injured nerve even over a substantial time period of 6 - 12 months. If severed the nerve can not usually be repaired. Patients can still do well without one phrenic nerve provided they have no coexisting cardiopulmonary disease. If dyspnea (shortness of breath) occurs then diagnosis and treatment of coexisting conditions would be recommended. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation is an option that sometimes helps patients with nocturnal dyspnea (occurring at night).