About BCV

Understanding Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation (BCV)

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation, or Hayek BCV as it's better known, is a simple concept.

Breathing consists of twophases: Inspiration and Expiration. During the inspiration phase the diaphragm moves downwards, while the rib muscles pull the the ribs out expanding the chest. This expands the lungs and generates a lower pressure inside the chest cavity than outside.This decreases the pressure below normal atmospheric pressure, causing air to rush in through the nose and mouth and into the lungs. This is termed negative pressure breathing. When we breathe out the muscles relax, the diaphragm moves up and in, and this pushes air out of the lungs. Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation works in the same manner, sucking the diaphragm down and creating negative pressure in the chest - the Inspiratory Phase. However, what makes BCV so special is that active phase that uses positive pressure to push air back out of the lungs - the Expiratory Phase.

This also happens to be the way we naturally breathe.

Non-Invasive Respirator

What if you could ventilate...

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Without a facemask

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Without sedation

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Without the risk of barotrauma

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Without the risk of infection

With over 300 publications to date, BCV is a very well-proven method of ventilation

BCV Provides

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation provides an efficient and effective method of non-invasive external ventilation and is a real alternative to traditional forms of positive pressure ventilation (PPV), such NIV, BiPAP®, IPPV (tracheosomty, intubation).

BCV Works

As ventilation is biphasic, it is possible to achieve both higher tidal volumes (negative inspiratory tidal volume and positive expiratory tidal volume) and higher frequencies ranging from 6 to 1200 breaths per minute. All while allowing the user to have proper and complete control over I:E ratio, without having to depend on passive recoil of the patient. Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation has been proven to reduce mortality rates, increase patient comfort, and avoid many of the harmful side-effects associated with other existing forms of ventilation techniques.

BCV has been used on patients with:

  • Acute Respiratory Failure
  • Neuromuscular (E.g. SMA,Duchene’s etc)
  • Problems with Weaning from PPV
  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and those who require chest physiotherapy
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Head and Spinal Injuries
  • Ventilation during anesthesia in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Procedures
  • Aids Related Lung Disease
  • Ventilation Post-­‐Operation (E.g. post-­‐coronary bypass, Fontan, Fallot, post-­‐pneumonectomy)
  • Other patients problems that will potentially respond to BCV:
      • Need for ongoing recruitment of alveoli and small airways
      • Conditions requiring non-­‐invasive support for relief of increased WOB
      • Small airways disease
      • Need to improve oxygenation
      • Need to decrease RV workload and improve function
      • CO2 retention
      • Low or absent drive
      • Fatigued weak or poorly innervated pulmonary musculature
      • Anomalous cardiac flow situations
      • Restrictive processes
      • Obstructive processes
      • Mixed obstructive and restrictive
      • Muco-­‐proliferative lungs
      • Reoccurring atelectasis/pneumonias
      • Reoccurring pneumothoraces
      • Other means of support have not worked or is not desired i.e. BiPAP® or desire to avoid trach and PPV
      • Many more...

When can I use BCV?

...a better question is 'When can't I use BCV?'

You can use BCV in virtually any circumstance where you would use any other form of non-invasive ventilation such as BiPAP® and even in most cases where you would use invasive ventilation such intubation or tracheostomy. 

Simple Application

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation works using a clear plastic shell called a Cuirass. The Cuirass is lightweight and has a foam seal that maintains an airtight fit around the patient. It is very comfortable to wear. It is available in 12 different sizes, ranging from babies to adults. The Cuirass is placed on the patient, and connected to a United Hayek power unit, such as the Hayek RTX or Hayek HRTX.

Broad Applications

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation can be used both in the hospital setting or at home. BCV is ideally suited for use in both acute and chronic, intubated or non-intubated patients.

Comfort Factor

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation doesn't just ventilate well, it's really comfortable too. The seal is made of super soft foam, the Cuirass is very, very light and it's designed to fit like a glove. And, because United Hayek power units automagically compensate for leaks, the Cuirass doesn't need to be applied tightly.

Clean & Hygenic

Did we mention the seal is hypoallergenic, and it's disposable too? That means it's hygenic, which helps to avoid infection, and, of course, it's latex-free.

Superb Technology

United Hayek power units are really advanced. Devices like the Hayek RTX are crammed with the latest technology. It incorporates many modes of ventilation, as well as a dedicated physio mode, which not only helps loosen secretions, it helps eliminate them with its built-in cough mode. Any other ventilators you know of do that?!

Application of BCV

You can use Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation with virtually any patient that would otherwise be on either a mask ventilator (BiPAP®) and, (in most cases) instead of a tracheostomy, as well as a method of weaning from invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).

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Other Benefits of the BCV

In most cases it can be used instead of a tracheostomy

It's really good at clearing CO2

It's unbelievably good at helping clear secretions, with high frequency and cough modes

Recognition for Innovation

The United Hayek RTX won the prestigious Millenium Products Design Council Award, recognizing The Hayek RTX BCV Ventilator as a significant advance in technology of the Millenium.

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Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation provides a real answer to a real problem.

Recent high profile incidents have raised awareness of the acute problem of treating and dealing with mass casualty situations. One particular issue of great concern is the lack of an adequate way to deal with large groups of people requiring ventilation quickly and effectively. Increased numbers of people gathering at shopping centres, stadia, public transportation facilities, high rise buildings and office blocks have increased the likelihood of mass casualty situations during accidents in these places. Increased traffic on the road, air, sea and rail has added to the realistic dangers faced by large groups of the public when travelling.

  • No need for skilled medical staff
  • Effective ventilation without intubation
  • Simplicity of use even when cumbersome protective gear is worn
  • Portable - from the field to the medical centre with no need for additional equipment

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Questions?

Review our Frequently Asked Questions

E-mail or Call Us should you have any questions regarding Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation, or any of United Hayek's ventilation products. We look forward to hearing from you soon!