How Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction Can Help Breathing

Have you had difficulty breathing lately? It isn’t all in your head. Having difficulty breathing can impact every part of your life, from getting a good night’s sleep to keeping up with your daily routine. Because lung function gradually declines with age, many people start to notice new or worsening breathing difficulties in their 50s. 

In one large review of 400 patients who underwent phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragm paralysis, the average age was 54 years, with patients ranging from 19 to 79 years old.

Matthew Kaufman, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, is one of the nation’s leading experts in restoring breathing function for patients with phrenic nerve injuries.

“Many patients spend years searching for answers, and by the time they arrive at our center, they’re relieved to finally understand that the problem isn’t their lungs—it’s damage to the nerve that powers the diaphragm,” says Dr. Kaufman.

Understanding the Phrenic Nerve and Its Role

Your phrenic nerve has more control over your breathing than you may think. If you’ve had trouble breathing lately, different types of phrenic nerve injuries and diaphragm paralysis could be responsible for your symptoms.

Phrenic nerve injury can result from viral illness, chest or neck surgery, trauma, or prolonged ventilation. When damaged, the diaphragm weakens or paralyzes, reducing lung capacity and making breathing difficult.

The phrenic nerve controls your diaphragm, the main muscle that lets your lungs expand and take in air. When it works properly, your diaphragm moves with each breath. If the nerve is injured, the diaphragm can’t move correctly, making breathing difficult.

Signs and Symptoms of Phrenic Nerve Injury

Patients with a phrenic nerve injury will often point out symptoms that mimic other respiratory conditions. Among the most common signs are:

• Difficulty breathing during routine activities 
• Fatigue or breathlessness when lying flat 
• Frequent respiratory infections 
• Interrupted or poor-quality sleep 
• Reduced exercise tolerance
  
  

Many of these symptoms overlap with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a result, many patients are misdiagnosed before receiving the proper evaluation for their breathing issues.

“This is why an accurate diagnosis is so crucial—without it, appropriate treatment will be delayed while managing the wrong condition,” Dr. Kaufman explains.

Diagnosing a damaged phrenic nerve typically includes getting a detailed look at your diaphragm through imaging tests and nerve conduction studies. A thorough review of your medical history is also essential for your treatment plan.

What Is Phrenic Nerve Surgery?

Phrenic nerve reconstruction is a microsurgical procedure that restores or improves the nerve signals controlling your diaphragm. During the procedure, your surgeon performs one or more of the following techniques:

• Microsurgical decompression to remove scar tissue or relieve pressure on the nerve 
• Nerve grafting by using a donor nerve to bridge the gap in the injured phrenic nerve 
• Nerve transfer that redirects a healthy nearby nerve to restore diaphragm function

As the repaired nerve regenerates over time, you will be able to rehabilitate the diaphragm muscle and experience natural improvement in your lung capacity and in the way your diaphragm moves.

Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction Recovery and Results

Your recovery time will vary based on the extent of your injury and the type of reconstruction required. After your procedure, it can take anywhere from several months to one year to experience:

• Better sleep quality 
• Greater overall comfort with everyday breathing 
• Increased activity levels and independence 
• Less shortness of breath

Why Choose a Phrenic Nerve Specialist at The Institute

Only a small number of centers worldwide have proven expertise in phrenic nerve reconstruction, and The Institute is among them, offering unparalleled experience in diagnosing and treating diaphragm paralysis. Working with our specialized team ensures your access to:

• Advanced microsurgical techniques 
• Comprehensive diagnostic tools 
• Coordinated post-surgical care and therapy 
• Personalized treatment plans

“Our goal is to help patients regain the simple freedom of taking a deep, effortless breath,” Dr. Kaufman says, emphasizing the life-changing potential of phrenic nerve reconstruction.

If you’re ready to understand your options for treating phrenic nerve injury, contact Dr. Kaufman and the care team at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction to request an appointment today.