A number of conditions can cause fluid and mucus to build up in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and leading to serious complications. Patients with cystic fibrosis are particularly affected, and caretakers have been helping to perform chest physical therapy (CPT) techniques for decades to help dislodge the mucus plugs and excess of secretions from the lungs. These include drumming with palms around the sternum and vibrating the patient, something that can require a proper technique and that gets tiring after a few minutes.
Hill-Rom is releasing its new Monarch airway clearance system, a powered vest that delivers high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy to patients requiring regular treatments. It has eight so called “pulmonary oscillating discs” that generate chest movements that help to move mucus out of the lungs.
The device is battery powered, so can be worn almost anywhere while receiving therapy. This is unlike most other HFCWO products that are powered by an external generator that the vest has to be physically tethered to.
Interestingly, the Monarch has cellular and WiFi connectivity built-in, allowing it to dump data about its usage to Hill-Rom’s VisiView Health Portal. From there, therapists and caretakers can review the numbers and adjust the treatment as necessary.
The vest comes in a variety of styles and is available to patients 15 years and older.
Product page: Monarch Airway Clearance System…
Via: Hill-Rom…