Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and a number of other pulmonary disorders make it difficult for the sufferers to cough out built up mucus. A simple medical device called the Lung Flute from Medical Acoustics (Buffalo, New York) has recently been submitted to the FDA for approval as a new therapeutic tool. Essentially a plastic tube with a reed inside that waves about when blown at, the system creates sound vibrations that supposedly help dislodge mucus throughout the pulmonary tree.
From the press release:
The application follows the recent successful completion of a clinical trial at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and the Western New York VA Medical Center. The clinical trial, led by principal investigator Sanjay Sethi MD, was designed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Therapeutic Lung Flute®. The trial was completed successfully with the Lung Flute® meeting all primary and secondary endpoints among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic bronchitis. This simple, hand-held, reusable therapeutic device supplements the patient’s natural mucus clearing system by introducing low frequency sound waves into the lungs.
Here’s video demonstrating the use of the Lung Flute:
Product page: Lung Flute…
Press release: Medical Acoustics Files Application with FDA for 510(k) Clearance of Therapeutic Lung Flute…
Flashback: The Lung Flute Cleared by FDA for Sputum Induction…