Inspiration produced by bilateral electromagnetic, cervical phrenic nerve stimulation in man

Eddy-current stimulation of both phrenic nerves at the base of the neck in human subjects was carried out to provide inspiration resulting from tetanic diaphragm contraction. The inspired volume obtained was in excess of spontaneous tidal volume. In a practical application of the method to provide artificial respiration, the trains of stimuli would be applied rhythmically. The train rate determines the respiratory rate. The frequency of the pulse in the train needs to be 25/s or slightly higher and the duration of each train should be long enough so that the inspired air velocity will fall to zero; typically requiring about 0.5-0.7 s.