Efficacy and safety of a new acoustic device, the lung flute, for sputum induction and lung physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction Induction of sputum by noninvasive methods from lower respiratory tract has evolved as an important tool for diagnosis and management of different respiratory diseases. Aim of the study To assess the efficacy and safety of lung flute compared with the standard methods. Patients and methods The study was conducted at Chest Department, Clinical Pathology Department, and Respiratory ICU Unit at Zagazig University Hospitals. A total of 85 patients were included in this study (20 healthy controls, 20 patients with chronic bronchitis, 20 asthmatic patients, 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and five patients with myopathy). Serial measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted were done. Induced sputum by lung flute and hypertonic saline was obtained. Sputum and saliva samples were processed and examined. Results The age of the studied patients ranged from 18 to 66 years. Duration of illness ranged from 1 to 44 years. By comparing samples obtained by lung flute and salivary samples, it was confirmed that sputum samples were from the lower respiratory tract as it higher in purulent score, fibrinogen, elastase levels, and cellular components. Comparison of samples obtained by lung flute and hypertonic saline showed significant difference in weight of samples and cellular components. Reported complications were more frequent with hypertonic saline. There was significant improvement in lung function and exercise performance in patients using lung flute. Conclusion The lung flute presents a safe, convenient, effective, easy, and rapid method for sputum induction with both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.