The Diaphragm Center

Call us at (212) 304-7535 to make an appointment or learn more

Columbia Diaphragm Center

An injured diaphragm can result in significant breathing issues that impact daily life. In severe cases, a diaphragm injury can result in a loss of speech and mechanical ventilation. The Diaphragm Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center provides the most advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies for diaphragm conditions.

  • Most diaphragm conditions are poorly understood by the general medical community. 
  • Our center grew out of a need to develop a comprehensive program devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of diaphragmatic disorders.
  • By gathering together some of the most experienced clinicians in this field, we are able to offer the most advanced care for our patients.
  • As a result, we are the world’s leading center for treating diaphragm disorders

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a diaphragm disorder, call (212) 304-7535 to make an appointment with an expert from the Diaphragm Center at Columbia.


Who We Treat

We diagnose and treat patients with all types of diaphragm conditions, including hernias, nerve damage, and congenital disorders. The diaphragm is the essential driver of respiration, inflating the lungs and drawing air in. When the diaphragm cannot function correctly, it can cause respiratory problems, difficulty with speech, and exhaustion that can affect daily life.

Conditions We Treat

  • Diaphragm paralysis and weakness: a disorder in which the diaphragm does not function as it should due to a weakened signal from the phrenic nerve or, in rare cases, to the diaphragm itself.
  • Diaphragm eventration: a condition in which parts of the diaphragm are located in an abnormally high or elevated position in the chest. Caused by paralysis, aplasia, or muscular weakness.
  • Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS): a genetic disorder that causes receptors in the brain to incorrectly monitor CO2 levels, and the body is unable to constantly maintain a normal level of oxygen in the blood.
  • Diaphragmatic hernias:
    • Morgani hernia: a condition in which there is a hole in front of the diaphragm, causing the liver and/or intestines to move up the chest cavity.
    • Bochdalek hernia: a disorder in which a hole in the side or posterior diaphragm, causing the stomach, liver, spleen, and/or intestines to move up the chest cavity.
    • Hiatal hernia: occurs when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm via the hole meant for your esophagus.
    • Para-Esophageal hernia: occurs when a small portion of the stomach squeezes through the diaphragm and remains next to the esophagus. This section of the stomach can have its blood supply constricted by the diaphragm, causing chest and gastric pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and stomach ulcers.
  • Phrenic nerve injuries
  • Parsonage-Turner syndrome

Treatments We Offer

  • Diaphragmatic pacing / phrenic nerve pacing: a surgical treatment that postpones or eliminates the need for machine-assisted breathing in patients with diaphragm injury, weakness, or paralysis
  • Phrenic nerve reconstruction/bypass
  • Diaphragm plication (unilateral and bilateral): a procedure in which the diaphragm is surgically put into its proper place to allow enough room for the lungs to breathe properly.
  • Diaphragm reconstruction
  • Hiatal hernia repair
  • Para-Esophageal hernia repair
  • Congenital diaphragm hernia repair

Program Highlights  

World Leaders in the Field of Diaphragm Disorders

By gathering together some of the most experienced clinicians in this field, we can offer our patients the most comprehensive and advanced care. We are active in research to better understand these conditions and develop new and more effective care.

The Experience to Treat the Most Difficult Cases

For the best outcomes, partnering with a team with experience treating your condition is key. The Diaphragm Center team performs a high volume of surgeries for diaphragm and phrenic nerve injuries. 

A Thoughtful Approach to Treatment

We offer a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. If surgery is necessary, our approach emphasizes innovative and minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

Care at the Leading Hospital in NYC

The Center is part of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in the nation. Our high surgical volume and outstanding outcomes speak to our commitment to providing the best care for you and your family.

Columbia Virtual Visits

For initial consultations, second opinions, and follow-up visits, we offer telehealth appointments through Columbia Virtual Visits—so you can meet with your care team from the comfort of your own home.


Our Team

Our experienced team of experts offers the most comprehensive and advanced strategies for diagnosing and treating diaphragmatic disorders.

Thoracic Surgeons

Image:
Mark E. Ginsburg, MD

Mark Ginsburg, MD
Co-Director

 

Image:
B. Payne Stanifer, MD, MPH

Payne Stanifer, MD
 

 

Thoracic Nurse Practitioner

Image:
Johanna Deutsch, FNP-BC

Johanna Deutsch, FNP-BC 
 

 

Pulmonologists

Image:
Dr. Wilson Quezada

Wilson Quezada, MD

 

Image:
Dr Matthew Cummings

Matthew Cummings, MD
 

 

Neurosurgeons

Image:

Christopher Winfree, MD
 

 

Radiologists

Image:
Jay Leb, MD

Jay Leb, MD
 

 


Our Locations

Columbia Diaphragm Center
Herbert Irving Pavilion at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
161 Ft. Washington
New York, NY
Get Maps & Directions »

Make an Appointment

The Columbia Diaphragm Center is open and taking appointments. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment.

For all appointments, please call (212) 304-7535, or complete our online appointment request form and our office will follow up with you soon.


Resources

Stories & Perspectives

After Plication, a Rock Singer Hits the Road Again

Charlie’s life was about his music and voice. So when a diaphragm injury threatened his livelihood, he turned to Dr. Mark Ginsburg and the Diaphragm Center for treatment. Now, Charlie’s back on stage and belting it out.