Effects of diaphragm plication on pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise parameters

Willem N. Welvaart, Patrick M.C. Jak, Mariëlle C. Van De Veerdonk, Johannes T. Marcus, Coen A.C. Ottenheijm, Marinus A. Paul, Anton Vonk Noordegraaf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Paralysis of the diaphragm is an uncommon condition, which may result in dyspnoea on excertion and in orthopnea. In patients who have symptoms, the paralysed diaphragm is often plicated to prevent its paradoxical movement on inspiration. This procedure brings relief to many patients, but the mechanism for this improvement is not well understood. Methods: Nine symptomatic patients who underwent plication of a unilateral paralysed hemidiaphragm were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests before surgery and repeated them after surgery. Results: Patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis before surgery were found to have lower tidal volumes at any given ventilation rate during exercise than normal subjects. A clear and consistent change was found in the manner in which patients increased their ventilation during exercise after surgery. All patients showed an increase in tidal volume for a given ventilation rate, which was significant. The plication procedure reduced the respiratory rate for any exercise level in all patients, and this effect was more pronounced during exercise. Conclusions: In patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis who underwent a diaphragm plication exercise, tidal volumes increased and the ventilatory frequency decreased. Despite this improvement, maximal exercise capacity remained unaltered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberezt094
Pages (from-to)643-647
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiopulmonary exercise tests
  • Diaphragm
  • Dyspnoea
  • Paralysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of diaphragm plication on pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise parameters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this