A nerve stimulation device has a pulse generator for generating stimulation pulses and an output for the stimulation pulses from the pulse generator, which is connectable to an electrode arrangement adapted for interaction with a living being to stimulate the phrenic nerve. The nerve stimulation device is made more safe and effective by the provision of an input connectable to an esophageal electrode for the reception of measurement signals. The esophageal electrode is adapted to be inserted in the esophagus of the living being for obtaining measurement signals. A signal analyzer filters myo-electrical signals from the diaphragm out of the measurement signals and a regulating unit regulates the pulse generator dependent on the myo-electrical signals.