Comparison of Acapella and Flutter Devices for Airway Clearance and Lung Function Improvement After Lobectomy Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Post-lobectomy patients often face respiratory challenges such as mucus buildup, difficulty breathing, and reduced lung function, which can delay recovery. Researchers are evaluating the effects of two devices, Acapella and Flutter, which use oscillatory positive expiratory pressure OPEP to help clear airways and improve lung function. This study compares these devices to understand their impact on secretion clearance, breathing difficulties, blood gases, and lung performance after lobectomy surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will use the Acapella device, which combines positive expiratory pressure and airway vibrations, while the other will use the Flutter device that generates oscillatory pressure during exhalation. Both groups will perform airway clearance therapy twice daily for seven days following a standardized protocol, alongside standard post-lobectomy care. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5 for changes in breathing difficulty scores, lung function tests including forced expiratory volume and vital capacity, and arterial blood gas measurements. Researchers will also measure sputum volume and key blood parameters to assess respiratory recovery. The study aims to provide detailed information on how these devices support lung function during the critical postoperative period.

Acapella vs Flutter Devices for Improving Breathing and Lung Function After Lobectomy