Evaluating Two Oscillation Techniques for Lung Clearance in Hypersecretive Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial

What this Trial Is About

Mechanical ventilation (MV) helps patients who cannot breathe on their own but can cause complications like pneumonia and lung collapse due to mucus buildup in the airways. Patients with tracheostomy tubes often need airway cleaning, but usual suctioning clears only part of the airways. This study compares two airway clearance techniques (ACTs) to find the best way to remove mucus in patients needing long-term MV with tracheostomy tubes. The trial compares Oscillation and Lung Expansion (OLE), which uses a device combining mechanical and medication-based methods to clear mucus, with High-frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO), which uses a vibrating vest to help loosen secretions. Patients receive both treatments in a randomized order. The study measures lung air movement and ventilation using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) before and after treatment. Participants are adults aged 18 or older who have airway hypersecretion and have been on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours in intensive care. Researchers assess lung function through lung imaging and track lung impedance at several time points after treatment. Safety and effectiveness are monitored during and after the treatments to understand which method better supports lung aeration and ventilation distribution.

Evaluating the Short-term Efficacy of Two Oscillation Techniques in Hypersecretive Mechanically Ventilated Patients