As published in CHEST, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, physicians report on the application of peripheral nerve surgery techniques to restore diaphragm function in cases of unilateral paralysis.

"Unilateral phrenic nerve injury often results in symptomatic hemi-diaphragm paralysis and currently few treatment options exist. Reported etiologies include: cardiac surgery, neck surgery, chiropractic manipulation, and interscalene nerve blocks. Although diaphragmatic plication has been an option for treatment, the ideal treatment would be restoration of function to the paralyzed hemi-diaphragm."

"Diaphragmatic pacemakers, though proven successful in cases of bilateral phrenic nerve injury, are not commonplace for unilateral injury due to the inability of the pacemaker to synchronize with spontaneous respiratory drive. Phrenic nerve grafting for acutely injured nerves has been shown to be effective in rare case reports."

"Diaphragmatic pacemakers consist of phrenic nerve electrodes implanted in the cervical region or the thorax...They allow ventilator dependent tetraplegics to be maintained permanently or temporarily without the use of mechanical assist devices. Freedom from the ventilator has been demonstrated to allow greater mobility, improved speech, improved overall health and quality of life, and reduced health care costs."

This article reports "twelve cases of unilateral phrenic nerve injury treated using established nerve reconstruction techniques and propose the algorithm that we used be followed for treatment of this disorder. The results demonstrate that the procedure(s) can be performed safely, and with a high likelihood of clinical improvement."

Kaufman MR, Elkwood AI, Rose MI, Patel T, et al. "Re-Innervation of the Paralyzed Diaphragm: Application of Nerve Surgery Techniques Following Unilateral Phrenic Nerve Injury." CHEST; E-Pub February 2011 .