Diaphragmatic pacing to facilitate ventilator weaning in neuromyelitis optica-associated respiratory failure

Patients with neuromyelitis optica may develop neurogenic respiratory failure in the context of severe upper cervical myelitis, which can require prolonged or indefinite mechanical ventilation. Diaphragmatic pacing has FDA approval under a humanitarian device exemption (HDE) to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in the context of cervical spinal cord injury. We describe the use of diaphragmatic pacing in a patient with acute respiratory failure due to a severe attack of neuromyelitis optica on the cervical spinal cord. The device resulted in successful early ventilator weaning.