Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inclusive term for inherited ciliary disorders including Kartagener syndrome and immotile cilia syndrome. In PCD, the cilia that line the respiratory tract and other organ systems are impaired. As a result, the respiratory system may become overwhelmed with thickened or infectious secretions.
For people with PCD, retained secretions in the lungs are the single most common cause of illness. Complications that may arise from retained secretions include:
- Chronic or persistent infection
- Mucus plugging
- Atelectasis
- Impaired gas exchange
- Tissue damage
- Daily Airway Clearance Therapy is an essential part of the treatment plan for individuals with PCD.
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 garment connected by Air Hoses to an Air Pulse Generator. During therapy, the inflatable garment 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.