Being told that you or a loved one may require a tracheostomy can be devastating. Luckily, there are other solutions. In many cases, Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation (BCV™) can provide a safe, effective means of ventilation for those who would like to avoid a tracheostomy.
1) Weaning from positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) are both improved when the patient's lungs are well recruited and their airways are kept clear of secretions. BCV™, unlike any other form of pulmonary support, offers cycled High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) or vibration that is followed by an assisted cough that is delivered via a cuirass, which provides an outstandingly effective means of both lung recruitment and secretion/airway clearance.
2) Patients that fail multiple attempts to wean from PPV is frequently due to muscle weakness, which results in loss of lung volume and shortness of breath. Increased demands on the pulmonary muscles combined with shortness of breath will result in several challenging factors, including an increased metabolic demand and a mechanically ineffective respiratory pattern. Introducing BCV™ into the weaning process will improve chest wall excursion and diaphragmatic function. Which leads to improved lung volumes, adequate gas exchange and an effective respiratory pattern.
Unable to wean from PPV after 2-3 weeks on a ventilator in the ICU
Chronic respiratory failure is a serious illness that gets worse over time.
ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, SMA, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Head and Spinal Injury
Infants and Children with difficulties complying with their treatment protocol.
▶ Indwelling lines, tubes, or drain where point of entry into the skin are under seal (within shell is fine)
▶ Patient's thoracic structure precludes establishment of good seal
▶ Burned skin or draining wounds under shell or seal area
▶ Lack of viable airway either natural or artificial
▶ Cardiopulmonary arrest
▶ Weight > 180 KG
✓ BCV™ offers a Secretion Clearance and Cough Option to effectively break up and remove secretions without needing to switch devices.
✓ BCV™ provides patient autonomy. Unlike other forms of ventilation, BCV™ allows patients the ability to eat, drink and talk while being ventilated, which allows patients to be an active participant in their treatment.
✓ BCV™ is more comfortable. BCV™ uses an external cuirass shell with a soft foam seal to ventilate, which many patients find more comfortable than other forms of ventilation.
✓ BCV™ offers a variety of shell sizes to fit adults, children, infant and even neonates.
✓ BCV™ is available for both hospitals and home care patients.
