Cough assistance device for patients with glottis dysfunction and/or tracheostomy

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Medical Devices
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Patients with bulbar palsy and/or tracheostomy often experience respiratory muscle weakness, impairing their ability to cough effectively.
• Effective coughing is crucial for airway clearance and preventing respiratory complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Cough Aid, a novel device designed to augment glottis function.
• To assess the impact of the Cough Aid on lung insufflation capacity and assisted cough peak flow in patients with compromised respiratory function.

Main Methods:

• A before-after trial was conducted with 74 participants diagnosed with bulbar palsy and/or tracheostomy and respiratory muscle weakness.
• Measurements included forced vital capacity, unassisted cough peak flow, lung insufflation capacity, and assisted cough peak flow, utilizing the Cough Aid device.
• Data were collected via tracheostomy or oronasal interface.

Main Results:

• Lung insufflation capacities measured with the Cough Aid were significantly higher than baseline forced vital capacities (p < 0.01).
• Assisted cough peak flows achieved with the device demonstrated a significant increase compared to unassisted cough peak flows (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• The Cough Aid is effective in enhancing cough flow for patients with glottis dysfunction or tracheostomy.
• The device successfully assists in air stacking exercises by mimicking glottis function, improving respiratory support.