title: High-frequency chest compression system to aid in clearance of mucus from the lung.
abstract: The authors developed a high-frequency chest compression (HFCC) device to aid in mucous clearance for patients with obstructive lung disease. The device, designed for self-therapy, consists of a large-volume variable-frequency air-pulse delivery system and a nonstretchable inflatable vest worn by the patient. Pressure pulses are controlled by the patient and applied during expiration. Pulse frequency is tunable from 5 to 25 Hz. Maximum vest pressure is 39 mmHg (5.2 kPa), with patient-controlled vest inflation and deflation time constants of 0.5 s. Vest pressure increases from 28 mmHg (3.7 kPa) at 5 Hz to 39 mmHg (5.2 kPa) at 25 Hz. Preliminary clinical trials have shown the HFCC device to be more effective than standard chest physical therapy. The HFCC device yielded a mean volume of cleared mucus of 3.3 cc per session, compared with 1.8 cc for a conventional therapy session.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55414.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Warwick
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003020:Clothing; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance; D009093:Mucus; D011312:Pressure; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013183:Sputum; D013909:Thorax / Q000502:physiology