The application of phrenic nerve conduction time in the resuscitation of anaesthesia

AIM:To investigate the application of phrenic nerve conduction time(PNCT) in the recovery of general anaesthesia.METHODS:Pdi_(t) and PNCT were measured by cervical magnetic stimulation of phrenic nerves in 8 patients before and after the administration of muscle relaxant.RESULTS:Pdi_(t) was reduced from (23.7±2.4) cmH₂O to (11.5±3.4) cmH₂O (reduction rate: 51.5%, P＜0.01) after the administration of muscle relaxant. The PNCT were (5.73±1.33) ms on the left side and (5.63±0.91) ms on the right side before the administration of muscle relaxant and prolonged to(6.1±1.3) ms and(6.4±0.6) ms and shortened as the Pdi_(t) recovered. CONCLUSIONS:Pdi(t)was reduced and PNCT was prolonged after the administration of muscle relaxant and the PNCT were shortened as the Pdi(t)recovered.The PNCT could be used to estimate the diaphragmatic function indirectly.