Presenting an idea for a mucus clearance device
Azad, Imran; Brockwell, Adam (2015)
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201505219427
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201505219427
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to review available mucus clearance devices and their mechanisms in the context of mucus clearance physiology and respiratory anatomy, in order that an idea for a new mucus clearance device may be presented. A theoretical idea for a new device is the definitive conclusion of this thesis. Criticism and comparative analysis of the new device concept with existing devices, in light of theoretical knowledge forms a platform for discussion.
In order to arrive at an idea for an effective mucus clearance device, the mechanisms for how mucus is cleared both naturally and by aid of devices were identified. The mechanisms for clearance include airflow velocity, positive expiratory pressure, and vibration of the airways. Nearly all devices on the market were found to rely on vibration of the airways, and some also incorporated a change in pressure, resulting in accelerated airflow velocity, whereas others incorporated prolonged expiratory pressure to remove mucus from peripheral airways. The next step was to determine what makes a mucus clearance device effective and, secondly, why an idea for a new device is needed. The device was, therefore, presented as a response to these two questions.
The idea for a new device was inspired by the essential need to cough or wheeze mucus from the airways. It also took inspiration from the vest system, but operated on the concept of a sudden change from positive to negative pressure by compressing the chest wall while pushing bands from the vest forward. This means that the shoulders pronate forwards while coughing and posture more is involved in the process of ventilation.
Though the device presented would not likely be as successful in mucus clearance as some of the devices on the market, as it does not assist directly in the circulation of mucus from the lower airways to the upper airways, it may be used with other devices that are for that purpose. In this way the device presented may complement other devices which operate on vibration of airways, such as flutter or PEP, by using those devices first and then coughing with the vest. Furthermore, further theses may be done on the basis of this thesis to take forward the concept and make a more indepth design.
In order to arrive at an idea for an effective mucus clearance device, the mechanisms for how mucus is cleared both naturally and by aid of devices were identified. The mechanisms for clearance include airflow velocity, positive expiratory pressure, and vibration of the airways. Nearly all devices on the market were found to rely on vibration of the airways, and some also incorporated a change in pressure, resulting in accelerated airflow velocity, whereas others incorporated prolonged expiratory pressure to remove mucus from peripheral airways. The next step was to determine what makes a mucus clearance device effective and, secondly, why an idea for a new device is needed. The device was, therefore, presented as a response to these two questions.
The idea for a new device was inspired by the essential need to cough or wheeze mucus from the airways. It also took inspiration from the vest system, but operated on the concept of a sudden change from positive to negative pressure by compressing the chest wall while pushing bands from the vest forward. This means that the shoulders pronate forwards while coughing and posture more is involved in the process of ventilation.
Though the device presented would not likely be as successful in mucus clearance as some of the devices on the market, as it does not assist directly in the circulation of mucus from the lower airways to the upper airways, it may be used with other devices that are for that purpose. In this way the device presented may complement other devices which operate on vibration of airways, such as flutter or PEP, by using those devices first and then coughing with the vest. Furthermore, further theses may be done on the basis of this thesis to take forward the concept and make a more indepth design.