Mechanical Percussors for COPD – pro

Individuals with compromised, airway-clearance mechanisms, such as people with COPD and other chronic respriatory conditions, are at risk for pulmonary complications. Various devices assist secretion clearing and mobilization and can prevent pulmonary infections. Various devices are available for use as adjunctive tools to promote optimal pulmonary toileting. Among them are mechanical chest percussor devices, such as E0480 percussor electric/pneumatic for home use. Mechanical percussors are electrical devices used to provide clapping or percussion to the external chest wall. The devices deliver consistent, programmable (i.e., adjustable speed) deep pulses. The machine is moved over the patient’s chest while the patient assumes a variety of drainage positions.
There are few supporting studies but the use of these devices is now standard in pulmonary rehab.

Hess DR. The evidence for secretion clearance techniques. Respir Care. 2001;46(11):1276-93.

Kempainen RR, Williams CB, Hazelwood A, et al. Comparison of high-frequency chest wall oscillation with differing waveforms for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis. Chest. 2007;32(4):1227-32.

Cantin AM, Bacon M, Berthiaume Y. Mechanical airway clearance using the frequencer electro-acoustical transducer in cystic fibrosis. Clin Invest Med. 2006 Jun;29(3):159-65.

Langenderfer B. Alternatives to percussion and postural drainage. A review of mucus clearance therapies: percussion and postural drainage, autogenic drainage, positive expiratory pressure, flutter valve, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, and high-frequency chest compression with the ThAIRapy Vest. J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 1998;18(4):283-9.

McCarren B, Alison JA. Physiological effects of vibration in subjects with cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir J. 2006 Jun;27(6):1204-9.

24. McCool FD, Rosen MJ. Nonpharmacologic airway clearance therapies: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan;129(1 Suppl):250S-259S.
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