Expert consensus on clinical application of mechanical airway clearance techniques

Abstract

Mechanical airway clearance techniques refer to the therapeutic method of using mechanical means to clear airway secretions and maintain airway patency. Currently, mechanical airway clearance techniques are widely used in clinical practice and have significant effects in clearing respiratory secretions, improving symptoms of respiratory distress, and preventing and reducing respiratory tract infections. However, up to now, there is no consensus, guidance, or standardized procedures for the clinical application of mechanical airway clearance techniques. Therefore, the Respiratory Care Group of Chinese Thoracic Society organized relevant experts to write the consensus on the clinical application of mechanical airway clearance techniques, and systematically describe the definition, historical development, working principles and mechanisms, and clinical applications of mechanical airway clearance techniques. The aim is to increase awareness of mechanical airway clearance techniques, to provide clinical practitioners with standardized procedures for the application of mechanical airway clearance techniques, and to guide the standardized clinical practice.