Abstract
BACKGROUND. Nippy Clearway® is a new mechanical insufflator-exsufflator device used to assist cough. We assessed its capability to generate peak expiratory flow (PEF).
METHODS. Nippy Clearway® was compared to Cough Assist® in bench experiment. The relationships between PEF and pressure at the airway opening during exsufflation (Pao,exp min) were investigated under 6 different combinations of compliance (C30 or C60 ml.cmH2O−1) and resistance (R0, R05 or R20 cmH2O.s.L−1.s−2) over a 25 to 50 cm H2O range of set Pao. Intercepts and slopes of the linear regression performed over PEF and Pao, exp min relationships were compared for both devices.
RESULTS. For C30R0, C30R05 and C60R05 conditions, change in both intercepts and slopes was significant with Nippy Clearway® as compared to Cough Assist®, averaging −2.96 L.s−1 and −0.03 L.s−1.cmH2O.−2, −1.46 and +0.02, and −1.02 and −0.04, respectively. As a result, at any Pao, exp min, PEF was statistically significantly greater with Nippy Clearway®. For C30R20 and C60R20, regression lines were similar for all devices.
CONCLUSIONS. In the bench with Nippy Clearway® the amount of PEF was greater than with Cough Assist ® device at low respiratory system compliance.
Footnotes
- Author for correspondance: Claude Guérin, Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France, Tel: +33 4 72 07 17 62, Fax: +33 4 72 07 17 74, E-mail: claude.guerin{at}chu-lyon.fr
Véronique Porot has no conflict of interest to declare
Claude Guérin has no conflict of interest to declare
- Copyright © 2013 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.