Mechanical Insufflation Research Articles

Reverse triggering in patients with acute brain injury undergoing controlled ventilation.

Reverse triggering (RT) is a ventilatory asynchrony characterized by the activation of respiratory muscles in response to passive mechanical insufflation. Although RT can potentially exacerbate lung injury, its characteristics in patients with acute brain injury remain under-explored. This study aims to elucidate the incidence and factors associated with RT in this patient population. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a clinical database dedicated to investigating patient-ventilator asynchrony among individuals with acute brain injury. Only patients under controlled mechanical ventilation were included. RT was identified through an analysis of airway pressure, flow, and esophageal pressure waveforms collected at 15-minute intervals. The incidence of RT was determined by calculating the ratio of the number of RT breaths to the total number of breaths. A total of 334 waveform datasets from 53 patients were analyzed. RT was observed in 8.4% of mechanical insufflations across 59 datasets (17.7%). Sixteen patients (30.2%) experienced at least one RT event. The most prevalent phenotype was mid-cycle RT (61.1%), followed by breath stacking (BD) (16.6%). Independent predictors of RT, after adjusting for confounding factors, included the combined use of opioids and sedatives, lower Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) scores, reduced airway delta pressure, and minimal discrepancies between the set respiratory rate and the actual respiratory rate. The pressure of occlusion at 0.1 seconds (P0.1) demonstrated substantial predictive ability for BD, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.80, P<0.001); the optimal cutoff was determined to be 1.69 cmH2O, achieving 83.3% sensitivity and 67.1% specificity. Factors such as deep sedation, lower airway delta pressure, and close alignment of ventilator and patient respiratory rates were associated with RT in patients with acute brain injury. Additionally, P0.1 served as a reliable predictor for the occurrence of BD.

Effect of biomass concentration in membrane bioreactor design on alpha factor for two large pilot systems: Case study of mechanical surface aeration and air insufflation system

In the literature, the studies on wastewater treatment process have shown a great interest in aeration system, most of them were performed on small pilot lab-scale. However, it still an important need to provide useful information aiming at reducing the operating costs and providing decision support to choose aeration devices. Considering that membrane bioreactors operating with high biomass concentrations up to 20–30 g of suspended solids (SS) per liter, the present study was carried out on a larger pilot lab-scale ( ± 500 l) of insufflation system and mechanical surface aeration on the same fresh sludge with concentration varying between 4.6 and 19.8 g/l. The comparison with literature data shows good correspondence with values obtained with our insufflation system but a great difference from values obtained in a mechanical system. In addition, this research provides a better insight on the calculation method that can be used to estimate the critical parameters of the oxygen transfer, and analyses the feasibility of air diffusion substitution by surface aeration system of Louvain La Neuve wastewater treatment plant of 13000 population equivalent. This extrapolation proved that a saving of ± 50,000 € per year can be achieved by choosing surface aeration rather than aeration by air insufflation.

Reverse triggering ? a novel or previously missed phenomenon?

Reverse triggering (RT) was described in 2013 as a form of patient-ventilator asynchrony, where patient's respiratory effort follows mechanical insufflation. Diagnosis requires esophageal pressure (Pes) or diaphragmatic electrical activity (EAdi), but RT can also be diagnosed using standard ventilator waveforms. We wondered (1) how frequently RT would be present but undetected in the figures from literature, especially before 2013; (2) whether it would be more prevalent in the era of small tidal volumes after 2000. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from 1950 to 2017, with key words related to asynchrony to identify papers with figures including ventilator waveforms expected to display RT if present. Experts labelled waveforms. 'Definite' RT was identified when Pes or EAdi were in the tracing, and 'possible' RT when only flow and pressure waveforms were present. Expert assessment was compared to the author's descriptions of waveforms. We found 65 appropriate papers published from 1977 to now, containing 181 ventilator waveforms. 21 cases of 'possible' RT and 25 cases of 'definite' RT were identified by the experts. 18.8% of waveforms prior to 2013 had evidence of RT. Most cases were published after 2000 (1 before vs. 45 after, p = 0.03). 54% of RT cases were attributed to different phenomena. A few cases of identified RT were already described prior to 2013 using different terminology (earliest in 1997). While RT cases attributed to different phenomena decreased after 2013, 60% of 'possible' RT remained missed. RT has been present in the literature as early as 1997, but most cases were found after the introduction of low tidal volume ventilation in 2000. Following 2013, the number of undetected cases decreased, but RT are still commonly missed. Reverse Triggering, A Missed Phenomenon in the Literature. Critical Care Canada Forum 2019 Abstracts. Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth67 (Suppl 1), 1-162 (2020). https://doi-org.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/ https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-019-01552-z .

Pilot observational cohort study to determine whether waveform and flow traces from mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) can be used to identify laryngeal responses to MI-E and thus optimise treatment algorithms in neuromuscular patients in a tertiary centre: a protocol description

IntroductionPatients with neuromuscular disease often have a weak and ineffective cough due to respiratory muscle weakness. One treatment option is mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E), also known as cough assist, which is...

Pathophysiological profile of non-ventilated lung injury in healthy female pigs undergoing mechanical ventilation

BackgroundLung regions excluded from mechanical insufflation are traditionally assumed to be spared from ventilation-associated lung injury. However, preliminary data showed activation of potential mechanisms of injury within these non-ventilated regions (e.g., hypoperfusion, inflammation).MethodsIn the present study, we hypothesized that non-ventilated lung injury (NVLI) may develop within 24 h of unilateral mechanical ventilation in previously healthy pigs, and we performed extended pathophysiological measures to profile NVLI. We included two experimental groups undergoing exclusion of the left lung from the ventilation with two different tidal volumes (15 vs 7.5 ml/kg) and a control group on bilateral ventilation. Pathophysiological alteration including lung collapse, changes in lung perfusion, lung stress and inflammation were measured. Lung injury was quantified by histological score.ResultsHistological injury score of the non-ventilated lung is significantly higher than normally expanded lung from control animals. The histological score showed lower intermediate values (but still higher than controls) when the tidal volume distending the ventilated lung was reduced by 50%. Main pathophysiological alterations associated with NVLI were: extensive lung collapse; very low pulmonary perfusion; high inspiratory airways pressure; and higher concentrations of acute-phase inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α and of Angiopoietin-2 (a marker of endothelial activation) in the broncho-alveolar lavage. Only the last two alterations were mitigated by reducing tidal volume, potentially explaining partial protection.ConclusionsNon-ventilated lung injury develops within 24 h of controlled mechanical ventilation due to multiple pathophysiological alterations, which are only partially prevented by low tidal volume.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Children Using Mechanical Insufflation Exsufflation Device (Cough Assist) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangalore, India

Abstract Background and Objective: Children with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) face a higher risk of recurrent pneumonias. Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) is a technique designed to enhance cough effectiveness, improve mucus clearance, and ultimately enhance lung health by boosting expiratory airflow and cough peak flow in coordination with a cough. We assessed the safety and adverse effects of MI-E in our cohort. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted over a period of 1.5 years at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, South India. Children between 1 and 18 years of age were included in the study. The demographic details of each child were collected from hospital records, along with the indication for starting MI-E and the duration of usage of MI-E. Results: Thirty-three children (18 boys) were started on MI-E. The most common indication was spinomuscular atrophy. Before the start of MI-E, 30 children were on noninvasive ventilation and 13 had a tracheostomy. The median insufflation and exsufflation pressures used were in the range of +15 to 25 cm H2O and −15 to −25 cm H20, respectively. Auto mode was used in all the cases, and 28 children used it on a long-term basis. There was a decrease in the frequency of hospitalization (especially in children with NMD). Adherence was very good without any evidence of barotrauma or any other complications. Conclusions: We found that the MI-E device is a valuable tool for aiding airway clearance in children with NMDs. Its use not only prevents intensive care unit admissions, reducing hospital stay duration but many times mitigates the need for hospital admissions altogether.

Effect of body position on peak expiratory flow during mechanical insufflation–exsufflation in people with cervical spinal cord injury: a pilot study

This prospective pilot study investigated the influence of body position on peak cough flow (PCF) during mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) treatment in people with tetraplegia. Fifteen participants with cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI) were randomized into two groups, which differed in the starting position, that is, the patients were either supine or reclined. Four sessions of MI-E in alternating positions with each session comprising three different maneuvers: five voluntary coughs, five MI-E-assisted coughs, and five MI-E-assisted with manual thrusts were performed with continuous airflow measurement reporting PCF from every cough. PCF was associated with the application maneuvers, total insufflation volume (TIV), and interaction between position and maneuvers but not with the application position. The estimated mean PCF was 1.808, 3.529, and 3.925 L/s when supine and 1.672, 3.598, and 3.909 L/s when reclined from voluntary cough, MI-E, and MI-E with manual thrust, respectively. The estimated PCF change compared to voluntary cough was 1.721 (95% CI, 1.603–1.838) L/s from the combined MI-E and 2.116 (95% CI, 2.005–2.228) L/s from the MI-E with manual thrust, calculated from the linear mixed-model analysis. PCF moderately correlated with TIV (R2 = 0.64). Therefore, either position can be used for C-SCI patients as long as MI-E can be performed with manual thrust and sufficient TIV is provided.

History, evolution, and graphic analyses of mechanical insufflation exsufflation for treatment of neurological disorders

In individuals with ventilatory pump failure (VPF) prophylactic, mechanically assisted airway clearance (ACT) by means of Mechanical Insufflation Exsufflation (MIE), is an important mitigation strategy to prevent respiratory infection, decompensation, and ultimately acute respiratory failure (ARF). VPF secondary to respiratory muscle dysfunction is a significant risk factor in neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injury, chest wall disease, and may occur in some instances of morbid obesity. In the intensive care unit (ICU), MIE has been shown to help avoid the need for tracheostomy tube placement and improve the success rate of extubation from mechanical ventilation, especially when MIE is used in combination with continuous noninvasive ventilatory support (CNVS). Globally, clinicians are recognizing that initial titration of the settings and ongoing management of MIE can be guided by the flow and pressure waveforms that are a feature of at least one widely available MIE device.

Physiotherapy Management for Complete Right Lung Collapse- is there role of mechanical insufflation and exsufflation? -A Case Report

We are reporting, a case of 52 year old male, with obstructive uropathy who underwent cystolithotripsy surgery associated with chronic kidney disease presented with respiratory distress, tachypnea and hypoxia on 3rd post-operative day. He was on maintenance hemodialysis. Examination revealed absent air-entry on right side, dull percussion note on right side and positive trail sign. Chest X-ray and HRCT showed complete collapse of right lung with ipsilateral shift of trachea with mediastinum. Conventional physiotherapy postural drainage, breathing exercises, active cycle of breathing technique, forced expiratory techniques, spirometry, nebulization given for a day, no improvement seen because patient had strong cough reflex but unable to expectorate; any effort to cough caused more distress and breathing difficulty. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, a therapy in which the device which inflates the lungs(Insufflation pressure start at 15-20 cmH2O and increase to give an inspiration to total lung capacity, last for 2 second) followed by an immediate and abrupt change to negative pressure (exsufflation pressure same as the insufflation, then increase up to 10–20cmH2O, held for 3-6 second), which produces rapid exhalation, simulates cough and thus moves secretions cephaladly. Thus device helps patient cough out effectively. Lung collapse resolved within 1 day, regular physiotherapy was given to prevent recurrent lung collapse until discharge, X-ray and auscultation findings and oxygen saturation improved. It concludes, successful utilization of chest physiotherapy and mechanical insufflators-exsufflators aids in the resolution of lung collapse in an urgent situation. KEYWORDS: Mechanical insufflator-exsufflator, Atelectasis, chronic kidney disease, cystolithotripsy

High-Level Spinal Cord Injury and the Failure of US Acute Rehabilitation: An Analysis and Commentary.

Acute and long-term morbidity and mortality rates have not changed in the United States for people with high-level spinal cord injury in 40 yrs, neither has the conventional invasive respiratory management for these patients. This is despite a 2006 challenge to institutions for a paradigm shift to avoid or decannulate patients of tracheostomy tubes. Centers in Portugal, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea decannulate high-level patients to up to continuous noninvasive ventilatory support and use mechanical insufflation exsufflation, as we have done and reported since 1990, but there has been no such paradigm shift in US rehabilitation institutions. The quality of life and financial consequences of this are discussed. An example of decannulation of a relatively easy case, after failure to do so during 3 mos of acute rehabilitation, is presented to encourage institutions to begin to learn and apply noninvasive management before decannulating more severe patients with little to no ventilator free breathing ability.

Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation to facilitate ventilator weaning and possible decannulation for patients with encephalopathic conditions

BackgroundClinicians are often faced with apparently tracheostomy mechanical ventilation dependent (TMV), patients who are ventilator unweanable due to encephalopathic/upper motor neuron conditions, that hamper return to the community. ObjectivesA protocol is suggested to wean these patients from mechanical ventilation and criteria offered for possible decannulation. MethodsAfter excluding patients with severe muscle weakness due to neuromuscular diseases and high level spinal cord disorders, consecutive, apparently unweanable and unresponsive encephalopathic patients were to be weaned by a protocol that first normalized CO2 levels at full ventilatory support settings. Then, supplemental oxygen was discontinued so that ambient air baseline oxyhemoglobin saturation (O2 Sat) could be determined and subsequently be normalized by using mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MIE), at 60–70 cmH2O pressures, via the tubes every 2 hours, with the tube cuffs inflated. Once ambient air O2 Sat levels remained normal, ambient air spontaneous, unassisted autonomous breathing “sprints” were initiated and continued until O2 Sat decreased below 95% with respiratory distress. Patients spontaneously moving over 300 mL of air into their lungs without pressure support had very good prognoses for rapid ventilator weaning. Patients were not returned to TMV irrespective of tachypnea. After the “sprint”, they were rested by using 1–3 hours of full ventilatory support before the next sprint. Sprints lengthened until being fully weaned. After weaning, potential decannulation was evaluated using MIE expiratory flows (MIE-EF) and O2 Sat. ResultsO2 Sat normalized from the initial use of MIE via the tube for 7 of 13 patients then 4 weaned from the initial ambient air sprint. Weaning occurred in 4 days or less for 11 of 13. Despite continuous TMV dependence for 31 days to 15 months before the intervention, 7 weaned patients were successfully decannulated, 6 of the 7 with MIE-EF ≥ 190 L/m. All but 2 remained unresponsive, but 6 were discharged home to their families once decannulated. ConclusionOnce primary ventilatory pump failure is excluded and lung disease improved to the extent that the ambient air O2 Sat can be normalized by using MIE via invasive airway tubes to clear airway secretions, encephalopathic patients can have sufficient muscle strength to wean from ventilatory support and possibly be decannulated if mechanically augmented cough flows exceed 190 L/m.

Adjustments of non-invasive ventilation and mechanically assisted cough by combining ultrasound imaging of the larynx with transnasal fibre-optic laryngoscopy: a protocol for an experimental study

IntroductionApplication of non-invasive positive airway pressure may provoke laryngeal responses that obstruct the airways, especially in patients with disturbed laryngeal control. To control and adjust for this, transnasal fibre-optic laryngoscopy...

Short-term effect of air stacking and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation on lung function in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Air stacking (AS) and mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) aim to increase cough efficacy by augmenting inspiratory lung volumes in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). We studied the short-term effect of AS and MI-E on lung function. We prospectively included NMD patients familiar with daily AS or MI-E use. Studied outcomes were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) prior to, immediately after, and up to 2 h after treatment. Paired sample T-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. Sixty-seven patients participated. We observed increased FVC and FEV1 immediately after AS with a mean difference of respectively 0.090 L (95% CI 0.045; 0.135, p < .001) and 0.073 L (95% CI 0.017; 0.128, p = .012). Increased FVC immediately after MI-E (mean difference 0.059 L (95% CI 0.010; 0.109, p = .021) persisted 1 hour (mean difference 0.079 L (95% CI 0.034; 0.125, p = .003). The effect of treatment was more pronounced in patients diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, compared to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. AS and MI-E improved FVC immediately after treatment, which persisted 1 h after MI-E. There is insufficient evidence that short-lasting increases in FVC would explain the possible beneficial effect of AS and MI-E.

Impact of Reverse Triggering Dyssynchrony during Lung-Protective Ventilation on Diaphragm Function: An Experimental Model.

Rationale: Reverse triggering dyssynchrony (RT) is a patient-ventilator interaction where a respiratory muscle contraction is triggered by a passive mechanical insufflation. Its impact on diaphragm structure and function is unknown. Objectives: To establish an animal model of RT with lung injury receiving lung-protective ventilation and to assess its impact on the structure and function of the diaphragm. Methods: Lung injury was induced by surfactant depletion and high-stress ventilation in 32 ventilated pigs. Animals were allocated to receive passive mechanical ventilation (Vt: 10 ml/kg; respiratory rate [RR]: 30-35 breaths/min; n = 8) or a more lung-protective strategy (Vt: 6-8 ml/kg; n = 24) with adjustments in RR to facilitate the occurrence of RT for 3 hours. Diaphragm function (transdiaphragmatic pressure [Pdi] during phrenic nerve stimulation [force/frequency curve]) and structure (biopsies) were assessed. The impact of RT on diaphragm function was analyzed according to the breathing effort assessed by the pressure-time product. Measurements and Main Results: Compared with passive ventilation, the protective ventilation group with RT received significantly lower Vt (7 vs. 10 ml/kg) and higher RR (45 vs. 31 breaths/min). An entrainment pattern of 1:1 was the most frequently occurring in 83% of the animals. Breathing effort induced by RT was highly variable across animals. RT with the lowest tercile of breathing effort was associated with 23% higher twitch Pdi compared with passive ventilation, whereas RT with high breathing effort was associated with a 10% lower twitch Pdi and a higher proportion of abnormal muscle fibers. Conclusions: In a reproducible animal model of RT with variable levels of breathing effort and entrainment patterns, RT with high effort is associated with impaired diaphragm function, whereas RT with low effort is associated with preserved diaphragm force.

Cough augmentation techniques for people with chronic neuromuscular disorders

People with neuromuscular disorders may have a weak, ineffective cough predisposing them to respiratory complications. Cough augmentation techniques aim to improve cough effectiveness and mucous clearance, reduce the frequency and duration of respiratory infections requiring hospital admission, and improve quality of life. To determine the efficacy and safety of cough augmentation techniques in adults and children with chronic neuromuscular disorders. On 13 April 2020, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and randomised cross-over trials. We included trials of cough augmentation techniques compared to no treatment, alternative techniques, or combinations thereof, in adults and children with chronic neuromuscular disorders. Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The primary outcomes were the number and duration of unscheduled hospitalisations for acute respiratory exacerbations. We assessed the certainty of evidenceusing GRADE. The review included 11 studies involving 287 adults and children, aged three to 73 years. Inadequately reported cross-over studies and the limited additional information provided by authors severely restricted the number of analyses that could be performed. Studies compared manually assisted cough, mechanical insufflation, manual and mechanical breathstacking, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, glossopharyngeal breathing, and combination techniques to unassisted cough and alternative or sham interventions. None of the included studies reported on the primary outcomes of this review (number and duration of unscheduled hospital admissions) or listed 'adverse events' as primary or secondary outcome measures. The evidence suggests that a range of cough augmentation techniques may increase peak cough flow compared to unassisted cough (199 participants, 8 RCTs), but the evidence is very uncertain. There may be little to no difference in peak cough flow outcomes between alternative cough augmentation techniques (216 participants, 9 RCTs). There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of interventions on measures of gaseous exchange, pulmonary function, quality of life, general function, or participant preference and satisfaction. We are very uncertain about the safety and efficacy of cough augmentation techniques in adults and children with chronic neuromuscular disorders and further studies are needed.

頸髄損傷に対して緊急手術を施行し再生医療のために転院した1例(A case of emergency surgery for cervical spinal cord injury and transferred for regenerative medicine)

要旨再生医療は，脊髄損傷の有望な治療法として浮上してきている。本邦では2019年2月に自己骨髄間葉系細胞投与に保険が適応された。今回，頸髄損傷の患者に対して早期の固定術と早期からのmechanical insufflation–exsufflation（MI–E）の使用と再生医療を実施した症例を経験したため報告する。14歳の女児。遊具からの転落により後頸部を強打して受傷30分後に来院した。精査の結果，麻痺を伴う第5，6頸椎脱臼骨折を認めたため，同日に非観血的整復術を施行したが困難であり観血的整復術を施行した。第3病日に抜管したが咳嗽力が低下していたため第4病日からMI–Eを用いてリハビリを開始した。その後，再生医療を受けるため第14病日に北海道へ転院した。入院期間中にはステロイドは一切使用しなかった。急性期頸髄損傷に対する治療方針は変わり大量ステロイドの有用性は乏しく，急性期手術と早期リハビリが合併症を減少させている。新たな治療として再生医療も行われている。救急医としてはこれらを認識して初期治療を行うことが重要である。

Automated detection and quantification of reverse triggering effort under mechanical ventilation

BackgroundReverse triggering (RT) is a dyssynchrony defined by a respiratory muscle contraction following a passive mechanical insufflation. It is potentially harmful for the lung and the diaphragm, but its detection is challenging. Magnitude of effort generated by RT is currently unknown. Our objective was to validate supervised methods for automatic detection of RT using only airway pressure (Paw) and flow. A secondary objective was to describe the magnitude of the efforts generated during RT.MethodsWe developed algorithms for detection of RT using Paw and flow waveforms. Experts having Paw, flow and esophageal pressure (Pes) assessed automatic detection accuracy by comparison against visual assessment. Muscular pressure (Pmus) was measured from Pes during RT, triggered breaths and ineffective efforts.ResultsTracings from 20 hypoxemic patients were used (mean age 65 ± 12 years, 65% male, ICU survival 75%). RT was present in 24% of the breaths ranging from 0 (patients paralyzed or in pressure support ventilation) to 93.3%. Automatic detection accuracy was 95.5%: sensitivity 83.1%, specificity 99.4%, positive predictive value 97.6%, negative predictive value 95.0% and kappa index of 0.87. Pmus of RT ranged from 1.3 to 36.8 cmH20, with a median of 8.7 cmH20. RT with breath stacking had the highest levels of Pmus, and RTs with no breath stacking were of similar magnitude than pressure support breaths.ConclusionAn automated detection tool using airway pressure and flow can diagnose reverse triggering with excellent accuracy. RT generates a median Pmus of 9 cmH2O with important variability between and within patients.Trial registrationBEARDS, NCT03447288.

Initial assessment and management of respiratory infections in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders in the COVID-19 era.

As the COVID‐19 pandemic unfolds, emergency department (ED) personnel will face a higher caseload, including those with special medical needs such as persons living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Individuals with SCI/D who develop COVID‐19 are at higher risk for rapid decompensation and development of acute respiratory failure during respiratory infections due to the combination of chronic respiratory muscle paralysis and autonomic dysregulation causing neurogenic restrictive/obstructive lung disease and chronic immune dysfunction. Often, acute respiratory infections will lead to significant mucus production in individuals with SCI/D, and aggressive secretion management is an important component of successful medical treatment. Secretion management techniques include nebulized bronchodilators, chest percussion/drainage techniques, manually assisted coughing techniques, nasotracheal suctioning, and mechanical insufflation–exsufflation. ED professionals, including respiratory therapists, should be familiar with the significant comorbidities associated with SCI/D and the customized secretion management procedures and techniques required for optimal medical management and prevention of respiratory failure. Importantly, protocols should also be implemented to minimize potential COVID‐19 spread during aerosol‐generating procedures.

Optimisation of Mechanical Insufflation:Exsufflation

Optimisation of Mechanical Insufflation:Exsufflation

Mechanical Insufflation -Exsufflation in Children With NMD and Weak Cough

Mechanical Insufflation -Exsufflation in Children With NMD and Weak Cough