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Updated: May 24, 2026

The WinCF Model - An Inexpensive and Tractable Microcosm of a Mucus Plugged Bronchiole to Study the Microbiology of Lung Infections
Published on: May 8, 2017
[Cystic fibrosis: instrumental airway clearance techniques]
G Reychler1, T Coppens, A Leonard
1Service de pneumologie, cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Woluwe, Belgium. gregory.reychler@uclouvain.be
Introduction:
Chest physiotherapy is an essential part of the life-long therapeutic routine in patients with cystic fibrosis.
State Of The Art:
Various manoeuvres are available but there is no consensus supporting one specific technique over others. These techniques can be classified as "manual" or "instrumental". Instrumental airway clearance techniques are based on physiological principles and consist in the application of vibrations or positive expiratory pressure during expiratory phase to enhance sputum clearance. Positive expiratory pressure can be delivered continuously or in an oscillating pattern. The effects of these devices have been investigated in many studies.
Perspectives:
Results suggest a potential place for these techniques in the management of cystic fibrosis, but they remain poorly used.
Conclusion:
A better knowledge of these approaches could enable them to integrate more widely into the physiotherapy management of patients with cystic fibrosis.
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