Phrenic nerve grafting vs plication

[Chelle911]

Does any one know anything about the phrenic nerve grafting? Pros? Cons? The new process of grafting without a thoracotomy? Nerve grafting for diaphragm paralysis verses plication? I am searching everywhere for a solution to my problem and would greatly appreciate your views on these procedures!
Thanks again!

[Blackhawk555]

My husband had triple bypass and valve replacement in June, 2008. He had a difficult time getting off the ventilator and after three weeks in the hospital (11 days in ICU), was discharged with oxygen. He was on oxygen for about a month at home and then was taken off. His main issue now is that he cannot recline or lay flat without using a bipap machine.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a pulmonary expert in the Baltimore, MD or Washington, D.C. area? Aos, what procedures are available to help his recovery. We've heard of a pacemaker for the diaphram (his appears to be paralyzed on both sides) and some say it oftentimes recovers on its own. Thanks for your help.

[rjanusch]

We just found out that my husband has a weak diaphram.  He also had quadruple bypass surgery and a reaction to statin drugs.  Mayo clinic in Rochester was where he went for a second opinion.  I highly suggest going to the top (Mayo) if you can travel.  Our hospital here was tellling him it was his heart and he needed a defribulator.  Mayo found out his heart was perfectly fine and it was his lungs.  Get a second opinon.