ThAIRapy Vest
The ThAIRapy Vest is a airway clearance system that is used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and is gaining use in the treatment of bronchiectasis, COPD, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
It uses a compressor to inflate and deflate periodically and thus imposes High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillations that are transferred to the lungs. Due to the thixotropy of mucus, it is thinned by this procedure and its removal (by cough) is facilitated.
There are alternative methods of airway clearance that are of equal effectivity but have much lower (or no) costs and are independent from electrical power.
In European countries, active techniques that rely on the cooperation of the patient are preferred by Cystic Fibrosis specialist physicians as well as by patients that have had the opportunity for tests.
- Autogenic drainage
- Active cycle of breathing
- PEP systems (Positive Expiratory Pressure)
- Oscillating PEP systems