Chest wall oscillation

Chest wall oscillation is when devices are used for clearing excess mucus from lung airways (bronchi and bronchioles). It is principally used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, but is gaining use in the treatment of other diseases, such as bronchiectasis, COPD, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, in which excessive mucus can block airways due to excessive production or impaired clearance.

Chest wall oscillation
MeSHD035641

This "passive system" is not dependent on the effort of the patient. It uses a compressor to inflate and deflate the vest rhythmically at timed intervals and thus imposes high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) that are transferred to the lungs. These oscillations thin thixotropic airway mucus, facilitating its removal by coughing. Delivery of air to the vest can be controlled manually.

History

The Vest System was developed by Dr. Warren Warwick, a pediatrician and cystic fibrosis expert, and Leland Hansen MPH, a senior scientist at the University of Minnesota, which licensed the product to American Biosystems in 1988.[1][2][3] It is the original High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation Device by Advanced Respiratory, Inc (ARI), formerly American Biosystems, Inc., in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America. In 2003, Hill-Rom acquired ARI.

Brands
  • Vest Airway Clearance System
  • inCourage System
  • Electromed SmartVest
  • AffloVest
  • RespIn 11 Bronchial Clearance System

References
  1. When 'Amazing' Is No Longer Enough. By Barnaby J. Feder. Published: April 6, 1995. The New York Times.
  2. Device and method for measuring a spirogram, Warren J. Warwick et al. Patent number: 6050953. Filing date: May 21, 1998.
  3. Chest compression apparatus, Warren J. Warwick et al. Application number: 11/204,547. Publication number: US 2006/0036199 A1.
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