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CoughAssist safely and effectively clears retained
broncho-pulmonary secretions, reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
The CoughAssist achieves this by gradually applying a positive pressure
to the airway, and then rapidly shifts to negative pressure. The
rapid shift in pressure produces a high expiratory flow from the
lungs, simulating a cough.
This technique, referred to as "mechanical insufflation-exsufflation,"
avoids airway damage while offering patients greater comfort and
quality of life without the use of an invasive procedure. It has
been proven effective for patients with an insufficient ability
to cough due to poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, myasthenia
gravis, or other neurological disorder with some paralysis of the
respiratory muscle, such as spinal cord injury. This device may
also treat ineffective cough due to emphysema, cystic fibrosis,
and bronchiectasis.
- Indications for Use: Any patient unable to cough
or clear secretions effectively due to reduced peak cough expiratory
flow (less than 2 to 3 liters per second), resulting from high
spinal cord injuries, neuro-muscular deficits or severe fatigue
associated with intrinsic lung disease, is a candidate for this
device.
- Contraindications: Any patient with a history of
bullous emphysema, known susceptibility to pneumothorax or pnuemo-mediastinum,
or known to have had any recent barotrauma, should be carefully
considered before use.
The CoughAssist can be used with a facemask, mouthpiece
or, with an adapter, to a patient's endotracheal or tracheostomy
tube. This device can be used on adult and pediatric patients at
home or in a hospital/institutional environment.
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