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Research ArticleOriginal Contributions

Performance Analysis of the Flutter VRP1 Under Different Flows and Angles

Luiz Antonio Alves, Fábio Pitta and Antonio Fernando Brunetto
Respiratory Care March 2008, 53 (3) 316-323;
Luiz Antonio Alves
Medicine and Health Sciences Post-Graduate Program, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil; Department of Physical Therapy, Centro Universitário Filadélfia, Londrina, PR, Brazil
PT MSc
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  • For correspondence: [email protected]
Fábio Pitta
Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
PT PhD
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Antonio Fernando Brunetto
Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, and Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Norte do Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil
PT PhD
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Flutter VRP1 device is used for airway clearance. Its performance is based on 4 basic effects: positive expiratory pressure (PEP), forced exhalations (huff), high-frequency airway flow oscillation, and modification of mucus viscoelasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the flow and angle conditions in which these effects are optimized.

METHODS: In an experimental setting, a Flutter VRP1 was fixed at angles of −30°, −15°, 0°, +15°, and +30°, and submitted to flows ranging from 0.2 L/s to 2.0 L/s. The flows and angles that resulted in higher and lower values of mean pressure, mean flow, oscillation frequency, and flow amplitude were determined. In addition, it was defined which angles facilitated achieving “ideal” mean pressure of 10 cm H2O and 20 cm H2O and oscillation frequency of 12 Hz.

RESULTS: At all flows, +15° produced higher mean pressure (p < 0.01), whereas lower values were produced at −30° at lower flows, 0° at intermediate flows, and +30° at higher flows (p < 0.01). Higher oscillation frequencies were produced at +30° and +15° (p < 0.01), and lower values were produced at −30° and −15° at all flows (p < 0.01). Higher flow-amplitude values were produced at +30°, +15°, and 0° (p < 0.01), and lower values were produced at −30° and −15° (p < 0.01). Mean pressure of 10 cm H2O was reached with the lowest flow (0.2 L/s) at +30°, and mean pressure of 20 cm H2O was produced at +15° (1.0 L/s), whereas an oscillation frequency of 12 Hz was reached at 0°, +30°, and +15°, at 0.2 L/s.

CONCLUSIONS: Positive inclinations optimize positive expiratory pressure and flow-amplitude effects, whereas negative inclinations optimize huff effect. This theoretical knowledge may help optimize the use of the device when applied to different conditions.

  • physical therapy modalities
  • respiratory therapy
  • equipment design
  • Flutter
  • secretion clearance
  • positive expiratory pressure
  • high-frequency airway oscillation

Footnotes

  • Correspondence: Luiz Antonio Alves PT MSc, Departamento de Fisioterapia (a/c Fabio Pitta), Hospital Universitaário de Londrina, Avenida Robert Kock, 60, 86038–440, Londrina, PR, Brazil. E-mail: baxoalt{at}yahoo.com.br.
  • Copyright © 2008 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.
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Respiratory Care: 53 (3)
Respiratory Care
Vol. 53, Issue 3
1 Mar 2008
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Performance Analysis of the Flutter VRP1 Under Different Flows and Angles
Luiz Antonio Alves, Fábio Pitta, Antonio Fernando Brunetto
Respiratory Care Mar 2008, 53 (3) 316-323;

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Performance Analysis of the Flutter VRP1 Under Different Flows and Angles
Luiz Antonio Alves, Fábio Pitta, Antonio Fernando Brunetto
Respiratory Care Mar 2008, 53 (3) 316-323;
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Keywords

  • physical therapy modalities
  • respiratory therapy
  • equipment design
  • Flutter
  • secretion clearance
  • positive expiratory pressure
  • high-frequency airway oscillation

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