People suffering from cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and bronchiectasis require daily airway clearance of the excessive mucus that builds up in the airways. Although manual airway clearance techniques can be used, sometimes the use of airway clearance devices are needed. The following is a list of common airway clearance devices.
Airway Clearance Devices
Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilator (IPV)The IPV is a type of mechanized chest physical therapy. Instead of a caretaker clapping or cupping the patient’s chest wall, the IPV device delivers high-flow jets of air to the airways by a pneumatic flow interrupter at a rate of 100-300 cycles / minute via a mouthpiece. The patient controls variables such as inspiratory time, peak pressure, and delivery rates.
Mechanical Insufflator-Exsufflator (CoughAssist)
This portable electric device utilizes a blower and a valve to alternately apply a positive and then a negative pressure to a patient's airway in order to assist the patient in clearing mucus. Air is delivered to and from the patient via a breathing circuit using a flexible tube, a bacterial filter and either a facemask, a mouthpiece, or an adapter to a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube.
The FLUTTER® Mucous Clearance Device and Acapella™ Device
These small, handheld devices provide positive expiratory pressure (PEP.) Exhaling through the device creates oscillations, or "flutter" in pressures in the airway. This fluttering helps to loosen the mucus. Other PEP devices are used with a small volume nebulizer, and operate in conjunction with medication delivery.
Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Devices
IPPB use pressure to passively fill the lungs when a breath is initiated. An incorporated manometer and mechanical valves serve to end the flow of inspired air when a predetermined pressure is reached on inhalation. IPPB breathing circuits are designed to nebulize inhaled medication. Most IPPB devices are powered by compressed air and are not suitable for home use.
ThAIRapy Vest
Known as high frequency chest compression (HFCC), ThAIRapy Vest is worn like a vest. It works by vibrating the chest wall, loosening sputum, then chest wall oscillation causes outward airflow, similar to that of a weak cough.
Mechanical Percussors
These electrical airway clearance devices are sometimes used in lieu of a caretaker's hands for chest percussion and/or vibration. They help to release the secretions in the bronchial tubes by manually / mechanically "clapping" the chest wall.
Related: Airway Clearance Techniques
Source: regence.com and Cystic Fibrosis Center at Stanford
Published: 12/18/05
