Laparoscopic diaphragmatic pacer placement--a potential new treatment for ALS patients: a brief description of the device and anesthetic issues.

The Diaphragm Pacing Stimulator (DPS) has been used to treat ventilatory insufficiency in quadriplegic patients. The FDA approved a trial using the DPS in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Three patients with advanced ALS, who underwent laparoscopic diaphragmatic pacer placement, and their general anesthetic management, are presented.