NAVA and Diaphragmatic Pacing Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the mechanics and components of Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist (NAVA) and medical diaphragmatic pacing based on lecture materials.

EAdi catheter

A nasogastric tube with embedded electrodes that detects diaphragm signals.

NAVA mechanical process

Patient initiates breath $\rightarrow$ diaphragm contracts $\rightarrow$ EAdi signal detected $\rightarrow$ signal sent to ventilator $\rightarrow$ proportional support delivered $\rightarrow$ support stops when diaphragm relaxes.

EAdi catheter placement measurement

The distance from the nose to the xiphoid plus an extra $6\,cm$.

NAVA Level

The parameter that determines how much pressure is delivered per microvolt of EAdi ($cmH_2O/\mu V$).

EAdi waveform

A curve reflecting diaphragm effort that should correlate with flow and pressure curves.

Low EAdi

Indicates poor respiratory effort, potentially caused by sedation or neuromuscular issues.

High EAdi

Indicates patient distress, indicating a potential need for increased support.

Diaphragmatic pacing

A method of electrically stimulating the diaphragm to contract, helping a patient breathe without a mechanical ventilator.

Phrenic Nerve Pacing

An alternative name for diaphragmatic pacing.

Indications for pacing

Spinal cord injuries ($C1-C3$), congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or diaphragm paralysis/dysfunction.

Pacing mechanical process

Electrical signal $\rightarrow$ Phrenic Nerve $\rightarrow$ Diaphragm contracts $\rightarrow$ inhalation.

Phrenic nerve pacers

Electrodes placed near the phrenic nerve, usually in the neck or chest area.

Direct diaphragm stimulators

Electrodes placed laparoscopically directly onto the diaphragm.

NAVA

Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist; an advanced ventilation mode using the diaphragm's electrical activity to control and synchronize support.