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--------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 0:17:02 GMT Subject: Update on Christopher Reeve Christopher Reeve Receives New Implantable Breathing Device Cleveland researchers develop device to replace ventilator Nearly eight years after the accident that left Christopher Reeve paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator, the 50-year old actor and activist has hopes of breathing more normally, with the aid of a surgically implanted investigational device. On Friday, February 28, 2003, Reeve underwent minimally invasive surgery at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where a team led by surgeon Raymond Onders, MD, and program director Anthony DiMarco, MD, implanted the device, developed in partnership with biomedical engineers at Case Western Reserve University. Working through a small laparoscope in what is essentially an outpatient procedure, surgeons placed electrodes in Reeve's diaphragm muscle. The electrodes are attached through wires under the skin to a small external battery pack that electrically stimulates the muscle and the phrenic nerves, causing the muscle to contract and air to enter the lungs. Diaphragm contraction accounts for most of the ventilation required for normal breathing. For more information, go to www.ChristopherReeve.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn