Recent engineering developments in treating diaphragm dysfunction: An overview

Abstract

Diaphragm dysfunction presents a considerable challenge in the intensive care unit, leading to prolonged dependance on life support. Current treatment methods, while effective, severely hamper the quality of life, and do not appropriately address the issue of dependance. This article summarizes some of the recent engineering advances in addressing diaphragm dysfunction, ranging from tissue engineered scaffolds for tissue regeneration and implanted soft robotics for diaphragm force augmentation to phrenic nerve pacing to improve weaning success. The developments emphasize a shift toward negative pressure based ventilatory support, however clinical translation is yet to be realized.