Breathing exercise using a new breathing device increases airway secretion clearance in mechanically ventilated patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device (BreatheMAX) that humidifies and oscillates inspired air to increase secretion clearance in mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND

Poor secretion clearance is a serious problem for intubated patients leading to lung complications and delayed weaning.

METHODS

Double blinded crossover; fifteen patients, median age 60 years, range 16-75. Interventions consisted of spontaneous deep breathing with (treatment) and without (sham) humidification and oscillation of inspired air. Airway secretions were aspirated for 3 h before and after each intervention and wet weight and viscosity determined.

RESULTS

The sham intervention caused no change in secretion clearance (95% CI: -1.8, 1.8 g) but after treatment secretions increased by 4.0 g (95% CI: 1.3, 6.7; p < 0.05). Viscosity decreased 30% after treatment and was unchanged after sham. Changes in cardiopulmonary function were not clinically significant and the patients reported only mild perceptions of breathlessness.

CONCLUSIONS

Breathing exercise with a device that includes vibration and humidification of inspired air is effective for increasing secretion clearance with patients dependent on mechanical ventilation and was without any adverse effects.