Stimdia Medical, Inc. has designed the pdSTIM™ System to electrically stimulate the phrenic nerves in a patient’s neck to exercise the diaphragm during mechanical ventilation to minimize VIDD and facilitate weaning.
Key Differentiating Features:
- Use of subcutaneously inserted temporary pacing leads.
- Can be placed at beside in ICU via ultrasound guidance.
- Designed to not interfere with other existing lines/leads.
- Works independent of ventilator type/mode agnostic – uses RespiSync™ algorithm.
- Very small diameter for portion of device placed internally – world’s smallest multi-electrode lead (3 Fr) fits through a needle for a through the needle insertion.
Intended to provide temporary stimulation to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in patients who have been on mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more who are at risk of having difficulty in weaning.
The Clinical Problem
Mechanical ventilation produces diaphragmatic weakness and ventilation-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). Studies have shown that the combination of diaphragmatic inactivity and mechanical ventilation for prolonged periods is associated with atrophy of muscle fibers of the diaphragm. This condition is called VIDD.
VIDD has been shown to contribute to problems in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. This extended time on the ventilator increases health care costs and greatly increases patient morbidity and mortality.