Abstract: A chest compression system and method of use for respiratory therapies such as cystic fibrosis, including an air flow generator, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade for producing a series of air pulses communicated to a patient-worn garment during a therapy session. The system further includes one or more patient physiologic sensors capable of capturing patient information during the therapy session. The sensors may include a blood oximeter or a mouthpiece used to evaluate pulmonary function. An airway congestion monitoring system provides airway and lung congestion trend analysis. Adjustments are made to the series of air pulses based on a patient's therapy session data.

Abstract: A high frequency chest compression system for deriving one or more frequencies for a therapeutically-beneficial treatment protocol based on pressure measurements made via a mouthpiece. A routine for identifying optimal operating frequencies for an air pulse generator is also provided.

Abstract: A system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a patient includes an aerosol drug generator coupled to a mouthpiece including two sensing ports. A pressure sensor is connected to the two sensing ports of the mouthpiece. The system also includes a data processing component which calculates an inspired flow rate based on a signal from the pressure sensor, and a measurement component which measures the inhalation time, which is the time during which the aerosolized drug is inhaled at the inspired flow rate. The data processing component also calculates the amount of the aerosolized drug delivered to the patient based on the inspired flow rate, the amount of inhalation time, and a drug delivery coefficient.

Abstract: A congestion monitoring system includes a generally cylindrical, hollow form to channel a patient's breath, a flow restriction within the hollow form, and a pair of air ports. One of the air ports is located on the hollow form at a first side of the flow restriction, and the other air port is located on the hollow form at a second side of the flow restriction. The system also includes a coupling for connecting the pair of air ports to a pair of air lines, a sensor in communication with the air ports via the pair of air lines, and a monitor device. The monitor device converts a pressure signal from the air ports into a signal representative of a flow rate of the patient's breath through the hollow form.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus and method of use providing an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a wave form, a multi-port air chamber and a patient vest. A vest with a sizing feature is also disclosed. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient.

Abstract: A chest compression system and method of use for respiratory therapies such as cystic fibrosis, including an air flow generator, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade for producing a series of air pulses communicated to a patient-worn garment during a therapy session. The system further includes one or more patient physiologic sensors capable of capturing patient information during the therapy session. The sensors may include a blood oximeter or a mouthpiece used to evaluate pulmonary function. An airway congestion monitoring system provides airway and lung congestion trend analysis. Adjustments are made to the series of air pulses based on a patient's therapy session data.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: A system and method are described which permits the directed application of a percussive force to the chest wall to loosen mucus. Airway clearance therapy can be provided by repeated application of air impulses transmitted through the device. The device receives air from an air compressor or pulsating therapy unit (PTU), and forces the air into a flexible membrane inside a cup-like cavity. The open side of the cup is where the membrane expands outwardly into contact the patient's chest when it receives pressure pulses. Rapidly repeated air impulses impact the chest to dislodge mucus adherent to airways within in the lungs. Strategic placement of the device permits focused treatment of affected lung regions. Administration of air impulses to the chest wall is continued until treatment is completed. A pressure sensor can be provided to ensure that the device is properly placed on the patient's body.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring critical portions of an individual's forced expiratory efforts. The device includes a series of preset negative pressure sensors attached to a sensor port located in a breathing tube of predetermined dimension. A patient blows through the breathing tube triggering the various sensors depending on the airflow rate. The time each of the sensors are activated is recorded. The recorded information can be used to determine various diagnostic parameters.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the concentration of an analyte, particularly a chloride ion, in a liquid sample are particularly useful to screen for cystic fibrosis in an individual. In a preferred embodiment, the device takes the form of a patch comprising an absorbent material sandwiched between two liquid-impermeable layers. Chloride ions in the liquid sample complex with a chloride-detecting agent dispersed throughout the absorbent material to form a visible precipitate, preferably silver chloride. A pH indicator is also dispersed throughout the absorbent material, allowing the position of the water front to be monitored thereby permitting calculation of chloride concentration from a partially filled patch.

Abstract: Oscillatory chest compression apparatus to aid in loosening and eliminating mucus from the lungs of a cystic fibrosis patient. The apparatus includes a mechanism for applying pressurized air to a bladder covering the chest of a person and a mechanism for venting pressurized air from the bladder. In addition, the apparatus includes a mechanism for supplying the air to the bladder in a pattern of pulses having high rise times like square waves. The application of the pressurized pulses and the pulse rate is controllable by the patient.

Abstract: Oscillatory chest compression apparatus to aid in loosening and eliminating mucus from the lungs of a cystic fibrosis patient. The apparatus includes a mechanism for applying pressurized air to a bladder covering the chest of a person and a mechanism for venting pressurized air from the bladder. In addition, the apparatus includes a mechanism for supplying the air to the bladder in a regular pattern of pulses. The application of the pressurized pulses and the pulse rate is controllable by the patient.