BY PRISMA HEALTH
Community contributor
Prisma Health has successfully completed a surgical implantation, the first in South Carolina, of an exclusive device that will significantly improve the quality of life of a patient who suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury.
The NeuRx Diaphragm Pacer was implanted in a patient who suffered significant cervical spine injuries in a car accident. Tevin Johnson, a Sumter native, underwent surgery at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and was recently discharged from the hospital.
The device helps to rebuild the strength of the diaphragm and allows the patient to breathe without the help of a ventilator, allowing the patient basic actions such as eating, drinking and talking. In addition to patients with upper cervical spinal cord injury, the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacer can help other neuromuscular disorders that affect the diaphragm.
“We are deeply grateful for the successful restoration of some of Tevin’s most important freedoms and skills through this innovative technology,” said Dr. Alejandro Luis, medical director of trauma. “Drs. Christopher Watson and Jacob Hessey have accomplished an incredible feat that can give hope to other individuals who may face injuries for life.”
After Johnson was injured in a car accident in November 2020, Watson and Hessey implanted the device in late December 2020. In early January, Johnson was removed from his ventilator. Since then, he has been able to speak, eat and drink – actions that would not be possible if he continued to rely exclusively on a respirator. Other benefits of the device include more flexible living arrangements and reduced risk of infections.
“I cannot express how grateful I am to the team for giving me back some of the freedom and comfort that I would not have,” said Johnson. “Dr. Watson and Dr. Hessey allowed me to experience small joys in a challenging future.”