HIGH-FREQUENCY CHEST WALL COMPRESSION (HFCWC)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In healthy individuals, clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract is accomplished primarily through ciliary action. In young children the number of alveoli within the respiratory tract is also lesser and shorter and organisms may move quickly down the respiratory tract triggering more extensive involvement. Postural drainage and percussion are usually taught to family members so that the therapy may be continued at home when needed in cases of chronic disease. Since this highly labour-intensive activity requires the daily intervention of a trained caregiver, it may lead to poor compliance with the recommended treatment plan. The air-pulse generator rapidly inflates and deflates the vest, compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 20 times per second. The vibratory forces of these devices are thought to lower mucus viscosity. High-frequency airway clearance (HFCWC) assist devices generate either positive or negative trans-respiratory pressure excursions. The typical treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, and consists of short periods of compression at different frequencies, separated by coughing. The use of HFCWO compared to CPT also produced a significant improvement in blood inflammation parameter. Key Words: respiratory tract, High-frequency airway clearance (HFCWC), short periods of compression.