Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impairs neuromotor coordination. It may be caused by damage to particular areas of the brain during pregnancy, delivery, or the first few years of life. CP affects more than half a million Americans. Currently, it is the most common cause of physical disability in children.1

Disabilities associated with CP may be mild, moderate, or severe. In individuals with severe CP — especially those with cognitive impairment — the risk for respiratory illness is significant. Swallowing difficulties, weak cough, and seizures all contribute to the accidental inhalation of oral secretions, food, drink, and stomach contents into the lungs.2 When this occurs, serious pulmonary complications may result, including:

  • Blocked or obstructed airways
  • Airway inflammation
  • Increased mucus production
  • Chemical or bacterial pneumonia
  • Lung damage
  • Diminished ability to clear secretions
  • Weakened pulmonary defenses
  • Progressive lung disease
  • Respiratory arrest

In CP, secretion clearance may also be compromised by spasticity-related problems including poor respiratory muscle function and diminished exercise capacity.

High-risk individuals with CP require daily Airway Clearance Therapy to reduce the risk of pulmonary infection and progressive lung injury.3

Airway Clearance with The Vest® System

The Vest® Airway Clearance System is an easy-to-use medical device for children and adults. The Vest® System is quiet, comfortable and portable. Its features promote user independence and simplify treatment routines.

The Vest® System uses a technology called High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO). The Vest® System has an inflatable vest connected by Air Hoses to an Air Pulse Generator. During therapy, the inflatable vest inflates and deflates rapidly, applying gentle pressure to the chest wall. This works to loosen and thin mucus and to move it toward the larger airways, where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.

The Vest® System — Safe and Effective Therapy

HFCWO has been widely described in medical literature. More than 80 studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of HFCWO for a variety of patients.

Learn more about clinical evidence and support:

  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Cerebral Palsy: Hope through Research”. Bethesda, MD; National Institute of Health. UCP Research and Education Foundation, November, 1995.
  2. Russin SJ, Adler AG. Pulmonary aspiration. Postgrad Med 1989; 85 (1): 155-161.
  3. Todor DS. Respiratory problems in the adolescent with developmental delay. Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews (Philadelphia, Hanley and Belfus, Inc. October 2000; 11 (3): 617-631.